| Regulation of neurotransmitters
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| The action of transmitters must be halted by their removal from the synaptic cleft
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When transmitters have served their function, they must be removed from the synaptic space. Simple diffusion is probably the major mechanism of removal of neuropeptides. Enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase, which cleaves ACh, may destroy any remaining transmitter. Surplus transmitters may also be taken back up into the presynaptic neuron for reuse, and this is a major route of removal for catecholamines and amino acids . Interference with uptake causes an increase in the concentration of transmitter in the synaptic space; this often has useful therapeutic consequences.
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| Concentrations of neurotransmitters may be manipulated
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The effects of neurotransmitters can be altered by changing their effective concentrations or the number of receptors. Concentrations can be altered by:
- changing the rate of synthesis,
- altering the rate of release at the synapse,
- blocking reuptake,
- blocking degradation.
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| Changes in the number of receptors may be involved in long-term adaptations to the administration of drugs.
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