Dopamine Reuptake

Definition

Dopamine reuptake refers to the process where released dopamine molecules are taken back into the presynaptic neuron to be recycled and reused. Cocaine blocks this reuptake process, leading to increased dopamine levels in the synaptic gap.

Related terms

Neurotransmitter:

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Synaptic Gap:

The tiny space between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received.

Receptor Sites:

Specialized proteins on the postsynaptic neuron that bind with specific neurotransmitters to initiate chemical signaling.