INACTIVATION OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS
The inactivation of neurotransmitters is a crucial step in regulating the duration and intensity of synaptic transmission, terminating their signaling effects and ensuring precise control of neuronal communication.
Many neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron through specific transporter proteins located on the presynaptic membrane. Once inside the neuron, the neurotransmitter can be either recycled for future release or broken down by enzymes located in the synaptic cleft. For example, acetylcholine is rapidly broken down by the enzyme acetyl cholinesterase into choline and acetate. In another way, few neurotransmitters can diffuse away from the synaptic cleft, leading to their gradual dilution in the extracellular fluid. This process contributes to the termination of neurotransmitter signaling. Furthermore, in certain cases, neighbouring glial cells may take up neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft, contributing to their removal from the extracellular space.8.19
Source:
Rana Tanmoy (ed.). Principles of Veterinary Animal Physiology. CRC Press,2026. — 290 p.. 2026
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