Part of “CHAPTER 85 – PHYSIOLOGY OF THE ADRENAL MEDULLA AND THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM“

The most prominent removal mechanism for released NE is reuptake into the presynaptic terminal by a nonstereospecific, energy-requiring process called uptake-1.14,15 Cocaine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., desipramine hydrochloride), and ouabain inhibit uptake-1. The hypotensive effect of guanethidine and the hypertensive effect of tyramine depend on uptake of these drugs into presynaptic axons. Therefore, the administration of uptake-1 inhibitors attenuates these effects. Molecular genetic studies have confirmed the existence of a family of neurotransmitter transporters, including distinct transporters for DA and NE. Uptake-1 refers to the transporter for NE in sympathetic nerves.