The process where a special enzyme breaks down and inactivates a transmitter. Components of the disassembled neurotransmitter may be recycled to make more of the neurotransmitter when it is needed in the future. 

Brandeis University

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Once a neural signal is delivered, excess neurotransmitters must be removed from the synaptic cleft in a process known as clearing the synapse. This clearance occurs through three primary mechanisms: the neurotransmitters may drift away, be broken down into inactive fragments, or be reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron via reuptake. Clearing the synapse is essential because it establishes a distinct "on" and "off" state between signals and helps regulate the overall production of neurotransmitters.

Clearing the Synapse

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Degradation

Reuptake is a specific mechanism for clearing the synapse where excess neurotransmitters are pumped back into the presynaptic neuron that originally released them. By returning neurotransmitters to fill synaptic vesicles, this process signals to the cell that no additional neurotransmitters need to be manufactured, thereby helping to regulate overall neurotransmitter production.

Reuptake

A particular medication works by blocking the transporter proteins on a presynaptic neuron, preventing it from reabsorbing the chemical messengers it has just released into the space between neurons. What is the most likely immediate consequence of this medication's action?

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