Noradrenalintransportøren

Noradrenalintransportøren, often abbreviated as NET, is a protein responsible for transporting the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline) from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron. This process is crucial for regulating the concentration of norepinephrine in the synapse, thereby influencing neuronal signaling. NET plays a vital role in the sympathetic nervous system, affecting functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness.

The gene that encodes for the human noradrenalintransportøren is SLC6A2. Variations in this gene have been associated with an increased risk of certain psychiatric disorders, including depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). By controlling the reuptake of norepinephrine, NET also influences mood, attention, and stress responses.

Pharmacologically, NET is a significant target for various medications. For instance, certain antidepressants, known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), work by blocking NET, leading to increased levels of norepinephrine in the synapse. This mechanism is thought to contribute to their therapeutic effects in treating depression and anxiety. Additionally, stimulants used to treat ADHD, such as methylphenidate, also inhibit NET, among other transporter proteins. Understanding the function and regulation of NET is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies for a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions.