Norepinephrine transporter

Last updated

SLC6A2
Identifiers
Aliases SLC6A2 , NAT1, NET, NET1, SLC6A5, solute carrier family 6 member 2, Norepinephrine transporter, norepinephrine transporter gene
External IDs OMIM: 163970 MGI: 1270850 HomoloGene: 816 GeneCards: SLC6A2
Orthologs
SpeciesHumanMouse
Entrez
Ensembl
UniProt
RefSeq (mRNA)

NM_001043
NM_001172501
NM_001172502
NM_001172504

NM_009209

RefSeq (protein)

NP_001034
NP_001165972
NP_001165973
NP_001165975

NP_033235

Location (UCSC) Chr 16: 55.66 – 55.71 Mb Chr 8: 93.69 – 93.73 Mb
PubMed search [3] [4]
Wikidata
View/Edit Human View/Edit Mouse

The norepinephrine transporter (NET), also known as noradrenaline transporter (NAT), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the solute carrier family 6 member 2 (SLC6A2) gene. [5]

Contents

NET is a monoamine transporter and is responsible for the sodium-chloride (Na+/Cl)-dependent reuptake of extracellular norepinephrine (NE), which is also known as noradrenaline. NET can also reuptake extracellular dopamine (DA). The reuptake of these two neurotransmitters is essential in regulating concentrations in the synaptic cleft. NETs, along with the other monoamine transporters, are the targets of many antidepressants and recreational drugs. In addition, an overabundance of NET is associated with ADHD. [6] [7] There is evidence that single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the NET gene (SLC6A2) may be an underlying factor in some of these disorders. [7]

Gene

The norepinephrine transporter gene, SLC6A2 is located on human chromosome 16 locus 16q12.2. This gene is encoded by 14 exons. [7] Based on the nucleotide and amino acid sequence, the NET transporter consists of 617 amino acids with 12 membrane-spanning domains. The structural organization of NET is highly homologous to other members of a sodium/chloride-dependent family of neurotransmitter transporters, including dopamine, epinephrine, serotonin and GABA transporters. [7]

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms

A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is a genetic variation in which a genome sequence is altered by a single nucleotide (A, T, C or G). NET proteins with an altered amino acid sequence (more specifically, a missense mutation) could potentially be associated with various diseases that involve abnormally high or low plasma levels of norepinephrine due to altered NET function. NET SNPs and possible associations with various diseases are an area of focus for many research projects. There is evidence suggesting a relationship between NET SNPs and various disorders such as ADHD [7] [8] psychiatric disorders, [7] postural tachycardia [7] [9] and orthostatic intolerance. [7] [9] The SNPs rs3785143 and rs11568324 have been related to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. [10] Thus far, however, the only confirmed direct association between a SNP and a clinical condition is that of the SNP, Ala457Pro, and orthostatic intolerance. [7] Thirteen NET missense mutations have been discovered so far. [7]

Missense Mutations in the NET Gene [7] [11]
LocationAmino Acid VariantTMD (if known)Related Disease
Exon 2Val69IleTMD 1None
Exon 3Thr99IleTMD 2None
Exon 5Val245IleTMD 4None
Exon 6Asn292Thrn/aNone
Exon 8Val356Leun/aNone
Exon 8Ala369Pron/aNone
Exon 8Asn375Sern/aNone
Exon 10Val449IleTMD 9None
Exon 10Ala457ProTMD 9 Orthostatic intolerance
Exon 10Lys463Argn/aNone
Exon 11Gly478SerTMD 10None
Exon 12Phe528Cysn/aNone
Exon 13Tyr548Hisn/aNone
Abbreviations: TMD, transmembrane domain; n/a, non-applicable.
For the table above, refer to this table of standard amino acid abbreviations. This notation for
missense mutations, take Val69Ile for example, indicates that amino acid Val69 was changed to Ile.

Genetic variations

An epigenetic mechanism (hypermethylation of CpG islands in the NET gene promoter region) that results in reduced expression of the noradrenaline (norepinephrine) transporter and consequently a phenotype of impaired neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine has been implicated in both postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and panic disorder. [12]

rs5569 is a variant of SLC6A2. [13]

Structure

Simplified structure of the norepinephrine transporter protein. NET structure picture.png
Simplified structure of the norepinephrine transporter protein.

The norepinephrine transporter is composed of 12 transmembrane domains (TMDs). The intracellular portion contains an amino (-NH
2
) group and carboxyl (-COOH) group. In addition, there is a large extracellular loop located between TMD 3 and 4. [14] [6] [15] The protein is composed of 617 amino acids. [14]

Function

NET functions to transport synaptically released norepinephrine back into the presynaptic neuron. As much as 90% of the norepinephrine released will be taken back up in the cell by NET. NET functions by coupling the influx of sodium and chloride (Na+/Cl) with the transport of norepinephrine. This occurs at a fixed ratio of 1:1:1. [16] Both the NET and the dopamine transporter (DAT) can transport norepinephrine and dopamine. The reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine is essential in regulating the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. The transporter also helps maintain homeostatic balances of the presynaptic neuron. [17]

Norepinephrine structure Norepinephrine.svg
Norepinephrine structure

Norepinephrine (NE) is released from noradrenergic neurons that innervate both the CNS and PNS. NE, also known as noradrenaline (NA), has an important role in controlling mood, arousal, memory, learning, and pain perception. NE is a part of the sympathetic nervous system. [6] [18] Dysregulation of the removal of norepinephrine by NET is associated with many neuropsychiatric diseases, discussed below. In addition, many antidepressants and recreational drugs compete for the binding of NET with NE. [14]

Transport mechanisms

The transport of norepinephrine back into presynaptic cell is made possible by the cotransport with Na+ and Cl. The sequential binding of the ions results in the eventual reuptake of norepinephrine. The ion gradients of Na+ and Cl make this reuptake energetically favorable. The gradient is generated by the Na+/K+-ATPase which transports three sodium ions out and two potassium ions into the cell. [17] NETs have conductances similar to those of ligand-gated ion channels. The expression of NET results in a leak-channel activity. [16] [17]

Location in the nervous system

NETs are restricted to noradrenergic neurons and are not present on neurons that release dopamine or epinephrine. [6] [15] [17] The transporters can be found along the cell body, axons, and dendrites of the neuron. [6] NETs are located away from the synapse, where norepinephrine is released. They are found closer to the plasma membrane of the cell. This requires norepinephrine to diffuse from the site it is released to the transporter for reuptake. [17] Norepinephrine transporters are confined to the neurons of the sympathetic system, and those innervating the adrenal medulla, lung, and placenta. [17]

Regulation

Regulation of NET function is complex and a focus of current research. NETs are regulated at both the cellular and molecular level post-translation. The most understood mechanisms include phosphorylation by the second messenger protein kinase C (PKC). [15] PKC has been shown to inhibit NET function by sequestration of the transporter from the plasma membrane. [19] The amino acid sequence of NET has shown multiple sites related to protein kinase phosphorylation. [17] Post-translational modifications can have a wide range of effects on the function of the NET, including the rate of fusion of NET-containing vesicles with the plasma membrane, and transporter turnover. [19]

Clinical significance

Orthostatic intolerance

Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system (a subcategory of dysautonomia) characterized by the onset of symptoms upon standing. Symptoms include fatigue, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, increased heart rate/heart palpitations, anxiety, and altered vision. [7] Often, patients have high plasma norepinephrine (NE) concentrations (at least 600 pg/ml) in relation to sympathetic outflow upon standing, suggesting OI is a hyperadrenergic condition. [7] [9] The discovery of identical twin sisters who both had OI suggested a genetic basis for the disorder. [7] [9] A missense mutation on the NET gene (SLC6A2) was discovered in which an alanine residue was replaced with a proline residue (Ala457Pro) in a highly conserved region of the transporter. [7] The patients’ defective NET had only 2% of the activity of the wild-type version of the gene. [7] The genetic defect in the NET protein results in decreased NET activity that could account for abnormally high NE plasma levels in OI. However, 40 other OI patients did not have the same missense mutation, indicating other factors contributed to the phenotype in the identical twins. [7] This discovery of the linkage with NET mutations that results in decreased norepinephrine reuptake activity and orthostatic intolerance suggests faulty NE uptake mechanisms can contribute to cardiovascular disease. [20]

Therapeutic uses

Inhibition of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) has potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance abuse, neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD)) and clinical depression. [18]

Major depressive disorder

Amineptine, an NDRI tricyclic antidepressant Amineptine.svg
Amineptine, an NDRI tricyclic antidepressant
Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor Fluoxetine-2D-skeletal.svg
Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Certain antidepressant medications act to raise noradrenaline, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs or NERIs) and the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). The mechanism by which these medications work is that the reuptake inhibitors prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine by the presynaptic neuron, paralyzing the normal function of the NET. At the same time, higher levels of 5-HT are maintained in the synapse increasing the concentrations of the latter neurotransmitters. Since the noradrenaline transporter is responsible for most of the dopamine clearance in the prefrontal cortex, [21] SNRIs block reuptake of dopamine too, accumulating the dopamine in the synapse. However, DAT, the primary way dopamine is transported out of the cell, can work to decrease dopamine concentration in the synapse when the NET is blocked. [22] For many years, the number one choice in treating mood disorders like depression was through administration of TCAs, such as desipramine (Norpramin), nortriptyline (Arentyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and amoxapine (Asendin). [18] SSRIs, which mainly regulate serotonin, subsequently replaced tricyclics as the primary treatment option for depression because of their better tolerability and lower incidence of adverse effects. [23]

ADHD

Atomoxetine, an NET inhibitor marketed as Strattera Atomoxetine structure.svg
Atomoxetine, an NET inhibitor marketed as Strattera

Many drugs exist in the treatment of ADHD. Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat), Adderall, methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta, Daytrana), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) block reabsorption of the catecholamines dopamine and norepinephrine through monoamine transporters (including NET), thereby increasing levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. The strong selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI), atomoxetine (Strattera), has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD in adults. [24] [25] The role of the NET in ADHD is similar to how it works to ease the symptoms of depression. The NET is blockaded by atomoxetine and increases NE levels in the brain. It can work to increase one's ability to focus, decrease any impulsiveness, and lessen hyperactivity in both children and adults with ADHD. [26]

Psychostimulants

Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful psychostimulant and known to be one of the most widely used substances recreationally. [27] Cocaine is a nonselective, reuptake inhibitor of the norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine transporters. This thwarts the absorption of these chemicals into the presynaptic terminal [27] and allows a large concentration of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine to build up in the synaptic cleft. The potential for cocaine addiction is thought to be a result of its effects on dopamine transporters in the CNS, while it has been suggested that the life-threatening cardiovascular effects of cocaine may involve the inhibition of NETs at sympathetic and CNS autonomic synapses. [28]

Amphetamines

The chemical structure of MDMA or "ecstasy" MDMA.svg
The chemical structure of MDMA or "ecstasy"

Amphetamines have an effect on norepinephrine levels similar to that of cocaine in that they both increase NE levels in the brain. [29] Amphetamine-like drugs are substrates for monoamine transporters, include NET, that cause a reversal in the direction of neurotransmitter transport. [17] [30] Amphetamines cause a large accumulation of extracellular NE. [29] High levels of NE in the brain account for most of the profound effects of amphetamines, including alertness and anorectic, locomotor and sympathomimetic effects. [29] However, the effects that amphetamines have on the brain are slower but last longer than the effects cocaine has on the brain. [29] MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or "ecstasy") is an amphetamine with wide recreational use. A study reported that the NET inhibitor reboxetine reduced the stimulant effects of MDMA in humans, demonstrating the crucial role NET has in the cardiovascular and stimulant-like effects of MDMA. [31]

Further research

The role of the NET in many brain disorders underlies the importance of understanding the (dys)regulation of the transporter. A complete model of the proteins that associate with the transporter will be useful in designing drug therapies for diseases such as schizophrenia, affective disorder, and autonomic disorders. Recently discovered mechanisms of the NET, including the ability to act reversibly and as an ion channel, provide other areas of research. [15] [17]

Schizophrenia

Chemical structure of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), a metabolite of NE. Abnormally high levels of MHPG are also indicative of impaired NE regulation. MHPG.png
Chemical structure of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), a metabolite of NE. Abnormally high levels of MHPG are also indicative of impaired NE regulation.

The role of NE in schizophrenia has not been fully understood, but has stimulated research into this topic. [32] [33] [34] [35] The only relationship that has been understood between researchers is that there is a positive correlation between increased NE levels in the brain and spinal fluid (CSF) and activity of schizophrenia. [32] [33] [34] [35] In one study, clonidine, a drug used to treat medical conditions such as ADHD and high blood pressure, was shown to produce a significant decrease in plasma level MHPG (3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol), a metabolite of NE, in the normal control group, but not in the group of schizophrenic patients. [34] This suggests that in schizophrenia, the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor, a presynaptic inhibitory receptor, may be less sensitive compared to normally functioning alpha-2 receptors and thus relate to elevated NE levels in the disorder. [34] In addition to increased NE levels in the brain and CSF, increased levels of MHPG has also been associated with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. [35] Impaired NE regulation in schizophrenia has been an area of interest for researchers and research on this topic is still ongoing. [34] [35]

Imaging

Via positron emission tomography imaging technique, NET has been selectively investigated. 11C ME@HAPTHI and 18F-MeNER are two NET selective radio tracers for PET imaging. [36] Fluorescent substrates for the transporter can also be used to monitor the transporter rate in isolated organs or tissues, [37] [38] although these are not suitable for clinical imaging.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neurotransmitter</span> Chemical substance that enables neurotransmission

A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse. The cell receiving the signal, or target cell, may be another neuron, but could also be a gland or muscle cell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psychopharmacology</span> Study of the effects of psychoactive drugs

Psychopharmacology is the scientific study of the effects drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking, behavior, judgment and evaluation, and memory. It is distinguished from neuropsychopharmacology, which emphasizes the correlation between drug-induced changes in the functioning of cells in the nervous system and changes in consciousness and behavior.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monoamine neurotransmitter</span> Monoamine that acts as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator

Monoamine neurotransmitters are neurotransmitters and neuromodulators that contain one amino group connected to an aromatic ring by a two-carbon chain (such as -CH2-CH2-). Examples are dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reuptake</span> Reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by a neurotransmitter transporter

Reuptake is the reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by a neurotransmitter transporter located along the plasma membrane of an axon terminal or glial cell after it has performed its function of transmitting a neural impulse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monoamine transporter</span> Proteins that function as integral plasma-membrane transporters

Monoamine transporters (MATs) are proteins that function as integral plasma-membrane transporters to regulate concentrations of extracellular monoamine neurotransmitters. The three major classes are serotonin transporters (SERTs), dopamine transporters (DATs), and norepinephrine transporters (NETs) and are responsible for the reuptake of their associated amine neurotransmitters. MATs are located just outside the synaptic cleft (peri-synaptically), transporting monoamine transmitter overflow from the synaptic cleft back to the cytoplasm of the pre-synaptic neuron. MAT regulation generally occurs through protein phosphorylation and post-translational modification. Due to their significance in neuronal signaling, MATs are commonly associated with drugs used to treat mental disorders as well as recreational drugs. Compounds targeting MATs range from medications such as the wide variety of tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac) to stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine in its many forms and derivatives methamphetamine (Desoxyn) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Furthermore, drugs such as MDMA and natural alkaloids such as cocaine exert their effects in part by their interaction with MATs, by blocking the transporters from mopping up dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters from the synapse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor</span> Class of antidepressant medication

Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of antidepressant medications used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), social phobia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and menopausal symptoms. SNRIs are monoamine reuptake inhibitors; specifically, they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are thought to play an important role in mood regulation. SNRIs can be contrasted with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), which act upon single neurotransmitters.

A dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI) is a class of drug which acts as a reuptake inhibitor of the monoamine neurotransmitter dopamine by blocking the action of the dopamine transporter (DAT). Reuptake inhibition is achieved when extracellular dopamine not absorbed by the postsynaptic neuron is blocked from re-entering the presynaptic neuron. This results in increased extracellular concentrations of dopamine and increase in dopaminergic neurotransmission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor</span> Class of drug

A norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor or noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor or adrenergic reuptake inhibitor (ARI), is a type of drug that acts as a reuptake inhibitor for the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline) by blocking the action of the norepinephrine transporter (NET). This in turn leads to increased extracellular concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine and therefore can increase adrenergic neurotransmission.

The vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) is a transport protein integrated into the membranes of synaptic vesicles of presynaptic neurons. It transports monoamine neurotransmitters – such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and histamine – into the vesicles, which release the neurotransmitters into synapses as chemical messages to postsynaptic neurons. VMATs utilize a proton gradient generated by V-ATPases in vesicle membranes to power monoamine import.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dopamine transporter</span> Mammalian protein found in Homo sapiens

The dopamine transporter (DAT) also is a membrane-spanning protein coded for in the human by the SLC6A3 gene,, that pumps the neurotransmitter dopamine out of the synaptic cleft back into cytosol. In the cytosol, other transporters sequester the dopamine into vesicles for storage and later release. Dopamine reuptake via DAT provides the primary mechanism through which dopamine is cleared from synapses, although there may be an exception in the prefrontal cortex, where evidence points to a possibly larger role of the norepinephrine transporter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trace amine</span> Amine receptors in the mammalian brain

Trace amines are an endogenous group of trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonists – and hence, monoaminergic neuromodulators – that are structurally and metabolically related to classical monoamine neurotransmitters. Compared to the classical monoamines, they are present in trace concentrations. They are distributed heterogeneously throughout the mammalian brain and peripheral nervous tissues and exhibit high rates of metabolism. Although they can be synthesized within parent monoamine neurotransmitter systems, there is evidence that suggests that some of them may comprise their own independent neurotransmitter systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norepinephrine</span> Catecholamine hormone and neurotransmitter

Norepinephrine (NE), also called noradrenaline (NA) or noradrenalin, is an organic chemical in the catecholamine family that functions in the brain and body as both a hormone and neurotransmitter. The name "noradrenaline" is more commonly used in the United Kingdom, whereas "norepinephrine" is usually preferred in the United States. "Norepinephrine" is also the international nonproprietary name given to the drug. Regardless of which name is used for the substance itself, parts of the body that produce or are affected by it are referred to as noradrenergic.

A serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (SNDRI), also known as a triple reuptake inhibitor (TRI), is a type of drug that acts as a combined reuptake inhibitor of the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It does this by concomitantly inhibiting the serotonin transporter (SERT), norepinephrine transporter (NET), and dopamine transporter (DAT), respectively. Inhibition of the reuptake of these neurotransmitters increases their extracellular concentrations and, therefore, results in an increase in serotonergic, adrenergic, and dopaminergic neurotransmission. The naturally-occurring and potent SNDRI cocaine is widely used recreationally and often illegally for the euphoric effects it produces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benzofuranylpropylaminopentane</span> Chemical compound

Benzofuranylpropylaminopentane is a drug with an unusual monoamine-release potentiating mechanism of action. It can loosely be grouped with the stimulant or antidepressant drug families, but its mechanism of action is quite different.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TAAR1</span> Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a trace amine-associated receptor (TAAR) protein that in humans is encoded by the TAAR1 gene. TAAR1 is an intracellular amine-activated Gs-coupled and Gq-coupled G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is primarily expressed in several peripheral organs and cells, astrocytes, and in the intracellular milieu within the presynaptic plasma membrane of monoamine neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). TAAR1 was discovered in 2001 by two independent groups of investigators, Borowski et al. and Bunzow et al. TAAR1 is one of six functional human trace amine-associated receptors, which are so named for their ability to bind endogenous amines that occur in tissues at trace concentrations. TAAR1 plays a significant role in regulating neurotransmission in dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin neurons in the CNS; it also affects immune system and neuroimmune system function through different mechanisms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reuptake inhibitor</span> Type of drug

Reuptake inhibitors (RIs) are a type of reuptake modulators. It is a drug that inhibits the plasmalemmal transporter-mediated reuptake of a neurotransmitter from the synapse into the pre-synaptic neuron. This leads to an increase in extracellular concentrations of the neurotransmitter and an increase in neurotransmission. Various drugs exert their psychological and physiological effects through reuptake inhibition, including many antidepressants and psychostimulants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monoamine releasing agent</span> Class of compounds

A monoamine releasing agent (MRA), or simply monoamine releaser, is a drug that induces the release of a monoamine neurotransmitter from the presynaptic neuron into the synapse, leading to an increase in the extracellular concentrations of the neurotransmitter. Many drugs induce their effects in the body and/or brain via the release of monoamine neurotransmitters, e.g., trace amines, many substituted amphetamines, and related compounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor</span> Drug that inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine

A norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) is a drug used for the treatment of clinical depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and the management of Parkinson's disease. The drug acts as a reuptake inhibitor for the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine by blocking the action of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) and the dopamine transporter (DAT), respectively. This in turn leads to increased extracellular concentrations of both norepinephrine and dopamine and, therefore, an increase in adrenergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission.

A monoamine reuptake inhibitor (MRI) is a drug that acts as a reuptake inhibitor of one or more of the three major monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine by blocking the action of one or more of the respective monoamine transporters (MATs), which include the serotonin transporter (SERT), norepinephrine transporter (NET), and dopamine transporter (DAT). This in turn results in an increase in the synaptic concentrations of one or more of these neurotransmitters and therefore an increase in monoaminergic neurotransmission.

Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (sNRIs) are a class of drugs that have been marketed as antidepressants and are used for various mental disorders, mainly depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The norepinephrine transporter (NET) serves as the fundamental mechanism for the inactivation of noradrenergic signaling because of the NET termination in the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE). The selectivity and mechanism of action for the NRI drugs remain mostly unresolved and, to date, only a limited number of NRI-selective inhibitors are available. The first commercially available selective NRI was the drug reboxetine (Edronax), developed as a first-line therapy for major depressive disorder. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is another potent and selective NRI which is also effective and well tolerated for the treatment of ADHD in adults; it may also be a new treatment option for adults with ADHD, particularly for those patients at risk of substance abuse.

References

  1. 1 2 3 GRCh38: Ensembl release 89: ENSG00000103546 - Ensembl, May 2017
  2. 1 2 3 GRCm38: Ensembl release 89: ENSMUSG00000055368 - Ensembl, May 2017
  3. "Human PubMed Reference:". National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  4. "Mouse PubMed Reference:". National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  5. Pacholczyk T, Blakely RD, Amara SG (March 1991). "Expression cloning of a cocaine- and antidepressant-sensitive human noradrenaline transporter". Nature. 350 (6316): 350–4. Bibcode:1991Natur.350..350P. doi: 10.1038/350350a0 . PMID   2008212. S2CID   4333895.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Schroeter S, Apparsundaram S, Wiley RG, Miner LH, Sesack SR, Blakely RD (May 2000). "Immunolocalization of the cocaine- and antidepressant-sensitive l-norepinephrine transporter". The Journal of Comparative Neurology. 420 (2): 211–32. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1096-9861(20000501)420:2<211::AID-CNE5>3.0.CO;2-3. PMID   10753308. S2CID   24643588.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Tellioglu T, Robertson D (November 2001). "Genetic or acquired deficits in the norepinephrine transporter: current understanding of clinical implications". Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine. 2001 (29): 1–10. doi:10.1017/S1462399401003878. PMID   14987367. S2CID   30965333.
  8. Kim CH, Hahn MK, Joung Y, Anderson SL, Steele AH, Mazei-Robinson MS, Gizer I, Teicher MH, Cohen BM, Robertson D, Waldman ID, Blakely RD, Kim KS (December 2006). "A polymorphism in the norepinephrine transporter gene alters promoter activity and is associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 103 (50): 19164–9. Bibcode:2006PNAS..10319164K. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0510836103 . PMC   1748193 . PMID   17146058.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Shannon JR, Flattem NL, Jordan J, Jacob G, Black BK, Biaggioni I, Blakely RD, Robertson D (February 2000). "Orthostatic intolerance and tachycardia associated with norepinephrine-transporter deficiency". The New England Journal of Medicine. 342 (8): 541–9. doi: 10.1056/NEJM200002243420803 . PMID   10684912.
  10. Kim JW, Biederman J, McGrath CL, Doyle AE, Mick E, Fagerness J, Purcell S, Smoller JW, Sklar P, Faraone SV (June 2008). "Further evidence of association between two NET single-nucleotide polymorphisms with ADHD". Molecular Psychiatry. 13 (6): 624–30. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4002090. PMID   17876324. S2CID   8341997.
  11. Maarten E. A. Reith (2002). Neurotransmitter transporters: structure, function, and regulation. Humana Press. p. 120. ISBN   978-0-89603-945-2 . Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  12. Esler M, Alvarenga M, Pier C, Richards J, El-Osta A, Barton D, Haikerwal D, Kaye D, Schlaich M, Guo L, Jennings G, Socratous F, Lambert G (July 2006). "The neuronal noradrenaline transporter, anxiety and cardiovascular disease". Journal of Psychopharmacology. 20 (4 Suppl): 60–6. doi:10.1177/1359786806066055. PMID   16785272. S2CID   10728780.
  13. dbSNP
  14. 1 2 3 Stöber G, Nöthen MM, Pörzgen P, Brüss M, Bönisch H, Knapp M, Beckmann H, Propping P (November 1996). "Systematic search for variation in the human norepinephrine transporter gene: identification of five naturally occurring missense mutations and study of association with major psychiatric disorders". American Journal of Medical Genetics. 67 (6): 523–32. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1096-8628(19961122)67:6<523::AID-AJMG3>3.0.CO;2-I. PMID   8950409.
  15. 1 2 3 4 Sager JJ, Torres GE (August 2011). "Proteins interacting with monoamine transporters: current state and future challenges". Biochemistry. 50 (34): 7295–310. doi:10.1021/bi200405c. PMID   21797260.
  16. 1 2 Galli A, DeFelice LJ, Duke BJ, Moore KR, Blakely RD (October 1995). "Sodium-dependent norepinephrine-induced currents in norepinephrine-transporter-transfected HEK-293 cells blocked by cocaine and antidepressants". The Journal of Experimental Biology. 198 (Pt 10): 2197–212. doi:10.1242/jeb.198.10.2197. PMID   7500004.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Torres GE, Gainetdinov RR, Caron MG (January 2003). "Plasma membrane monoamine transporters: structure, regulation and function". Nature Reviews. Neuroscience. 4 (1): 13–25. doi:10.1038/nrn1008. PMID   12511858. S2CID   21545649.
  18. 1 2 3 Zhou J (December 2004). "Norepinephrine transporter inhibitors and their therapeutic potential". Drugs of the Future. 29 (12): 1235–1244. doi:10.1358/dof.2004.029.12.855246. PMC   1518795 . PMID   16871320.
  19. 1 2 Gether U, Andersen PH, Larsson OM, Schousboe A (July 2006). "Neurotransmitter transporters: molecular function of important drug targets". Trends in Pharmacological Sciences. 27 (7): 375–83. doi:10.1016/j.tips.2006.05.003. PMID   16762425.
  20. Schroeder C, Tank J, Boschmann M, Diedrich A, Sharma AM, Biaggioni I, Luft FC, Jordan J (January 2002). "Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibition as a human model of orthostatic intolerance". Circulation. 105 (3): 347–53. doi: 10.1161/hc0302.102597 . PMID   11804991.
  21. Morón JA, Brockington A, Wise RA, Rocha BA, Hope BT (January 2002). "Dopamine uptake through the norepinephrine transporter in brain regions with low levels of the dopamine transporter: evidence from knock-out mouse lines". The Journal of Neuroscience. 22 (2): 389–95. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.22-02-00389.2002. PMC   6758674 . PMID   11784783.
  22. Yavich L, Forsberg MM, Karayiorgou M, Gogos JA, Männistö PT (September 2007). "Site-specific role of catechol-O-methyltransferase in dopamine overflow within prefrontal cortex and dorsal striatum". The Journal of Neuroscience. 27 (38): 10196–209. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0665-07.2007. PMC   6672678 . PMID   17881525.
  23. Clinical Pharmacology of SSRI's: How SSRIs as a Group Differ From TCAs, Preskorn
  24. "What medications are used to treat ADHD?". National Institutes of Mental Health.
  25. Simpson D, Plosker GL (2004). "Atomoxetine: a review of its use in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder". Drugs. 64 (2): 205–22. doi:10.2165/00003495-200464020-00005. PMID   14717619.
  26. "Atomoxetine -". PubMed Health. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
  27. 1 2 Macey DJ, Smith HR, Nader MA, Porrino LJ (January 2003). "Chronic cocaine self-administration upregulates the norepinephrine transporter and alters functional activity in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of the rhesus monkey". The Journal of Neuroscience. 23 (1): 12–6. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.23-01-00012.2003. PMC   6742134 . PMID   12514195.
  28. Barker EL, Blakely RD (1995). "Norepinephrine and Serotonin Transporters". In Kupfer DJ, Bloom FE (eds.). Psychopharmacology: the fourth generation of progress. New York: Raven Press. ISBN   978-0-7817-0166-2 . Retrieved 2 November 2011.
  29. 1 2 3 4 Drug and Human Performance Fact Sheets. "Methamphetamine (And Amphetamine)". Archived from the original on 31 October 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
  30. Sulzer D, Chen TK, Lau YY, Kristensen H, Rayport S, Ewing A (May 1995). "Amphetamine redistributes dopamine from synaptic vesicles to the cytosol and promotes reverse transport". The Journal of Neuroscience. 15 (5 Pt 2): 4102–8. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.15-05-04102.1995. PMC   6578196 . PMID   7751968.
  31. Hysek CM, Simmler LD, Ineichen M, Grouzmann E, Hoener MC, Brenneisen R, Huwyler J, Liechti ME (August 2011). "The norepinephrine transporter inhibitor reboxetine reduces stimulant effects of MDMA ("ecstasy") in humans". Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 90 (2): 246–55. doi:10.1038/clpt.2011.78. PMID   21677639. S2CID   29087593.
  32. 1 2 Decaire, Michael. "The neurophysiology of schizophrenia: Etiology and Psychopharmacological treatment". Archived from the original on 17 February 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
  33. 1 2 Breier A, Wolkowitz OM, Roy A, Potter WZ, Pickar D (November 1990). "Plasma norepinephrine in chronic schizophrenia". The American Journal of Psychiatry. 147 (11): 1467–70. doi:10.1176/ajp.147.11.1467. PMID   2221157.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 Sternberg DE, Charney DS, Heninger GR, Leckman JF, Hafstad KM, Landis DH (March 1982). "Impaired presynaptic regulation of norepinephrine in schizophrenia. Effects of clonidine in schizophrenic patients and normal controls". Archives of General Psychiatry. 39 (3): 285–9. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1982.04290030025004. PMID   6279049.
  35. 1 2 3 4 van Kammen DP, Antelman S (April 1984). "Impaired noradrenergic transmission in schizophrenia?". Life Sciences. 34 (15): 1403–13. doi:10.1016/0024-3205(84)90054-7. PMID   6323903.
  36. Rami-Mark C, Berroterán-Infante N, Philippe C, Foltin S, Vraka C, Hoepping A, et al. (December 2015). "Radiosynthesis and first preclinical evaluation of the novel norepinephrine transporter pet-ligand [(11)C]ME@HAPTHI". EJNMMI Research. 5 (1): 113. doi: 10.1186/s13550-015-0113-3 . PMC   4467816 . PMID   26061602.
  37. Cao LL, Holmes AP, Marshall JM, Fabritz L, Brain KL (January 2020). "Dynamic monitoring of single-terminal norepinephrine transporter rate in the rodent cardiovascular system: A novel fluorescence imaging method". Autonomic Neuroscience. 223: 102611. doi:10.1016/j.autneu.2019.102611. PMC   6977090 . PMID   31901784.
  38. Parker LK, Shanks JA, Kennard JA, Brain KL (February 2010). "Dynamic monitoring of NET activity in mature murine sympathetic terminals using a fluorescent substrate". British Journal of Pharmacology. 159 (4): 797–807. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00574.x. PMC   2829205 . PMID   20136837.