Mechanism of Action
Reserpine irreversibly blocks the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT). This normally transports free norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine from the cytoplasm of the presynaptic nerve terminal into storage vesicles for subsequent release into the synaptic cleft ("exocytosis"). Unprotected neurotransmitters are metabolized by MAO (as well as by COMT) in the cytoplasm and consequently never reach the synapse.
It may take the body days to weeks to replenish the depleted VMAT, so that reserpine's effects are long-lasting.
Read more about this topic: Reserpine
Famous quotes containing the words mechanism of, mechanism and/or action:
“The two elements the traveler first captures in the big city are extrahuman architecture and furious rhythm. Geometry and anguish. At first glance, the rhythm may be confused with gaiety, but when you look more closely at the mechanism of social life and the painful slavery of both men and machines, you see that it is nothing but a kind of typical, empty anguish that makes even crime and gangs forgivable means of escape.”
—Federico García Lorca (1898–1936)
“I’ve never known a Philadelphian who wasn’t a downright “character;” possibly a defense mechanism resulting from the dullness of their native habitat.”
—Anita Loos (1888–1981)
“A servant with this clause
Makes drudgery divine:
Who sweeps a room as for Thy laws
Makes that and th’ action fine.”
—George Herbert (1593–1633)