What Happens to Neurotransmitters After They Are Released?
After their release and action on the post-synaptic receptor, neurotransmitters must be removed from the synaptic cleft to terminate the signal. This can happen through:
1. Reuptake: The neurotransmitter is taken back into the pre-synaptic neuron for reuse. 2. Enzymatic degradation: Enzymes break down the neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft. 3. Diffusion: The neurotransmitter diffuses away from the synaptic cleft.
