Norepinephrine transporter

The Norepinephrine transporter (NET), also known as solute carrier family 6 member 2 (SLC6A2), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC6A2 gene. It is a type of neurotransmitter transporter involved in the active transport of norepinephrine from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic nerve terminal.

Pronunciation

Norepinephrine transporter: /ˌnɔːrɛpɪˈnɛfrɪn ˈtrænspɔːrtər/

Etymology

The term "Norepinephrine" is derived from the Latin nor (meaning "not") and epinephrine, referring to a substance that is not quite epinephrine. The term "transporter" comes from the Latin transportare, meaning "to carry across".

Function

The norepinephrine transporter is responsible for the reuptake of extracellular norepinephrine, which controls the intensity and duration of the synaptic action of norepinephrine. This transporter is also responsible for the uptake of dopamine, another type of neurotransmitter, in areas of the brain where dopamine transporters (DAT) are sparse or absent.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the function or expression of NET have been implicated in a number of conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and hypertension. Certain drugs, like antidepressants and stimulants, work by inhibiting the action of NET, thereby increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the synaptic cleft.

Related terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Norepinephrine transporter
Wikipedia's article - Norepinephrine transporter

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Norepinephrine transporter