Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
A Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (NRI) or Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor is a type of drug that acts as a reuptake inhibitor for the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline) by blocking the action of the norepinephrine transporter (NET). This in turn leads to increased extracellular concentrations of norepinephrine and can result in an increase in neuronal firing rates.
Pronunciation
Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor: /ˌnɔːrɛpɪˈnɛfrɪn riˈʌptɛk ɪnˈhɪbɪtər/
Etymology
The term "Norepinephrine" is derived from the Latin nōrēpīnephrīnum, which is a combination of the words nor (normal) and epinephrine (a hormone that increases heart rate and blood pressure). The term "Reuptake Inhibitor" refers to the drug's mechanism of action, which involves inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine into presynaptic neurons.
Mechanism of Action
NRIs work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine by the presynaptic neuron, increasing the amount of neurotransmitter available in the synaptic cleft available to bind to the postsynaptic receptor.
Related Terms
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
See Also
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