Neurotransmitter reuptake is the process by which nerve cells pull released chemical signals back out of the synaptic cleft after signaling, keeping communication between neurons fast and precisely timed rather than continuous. This mechanism underlies how SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work, since they modulate the concentration of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the synapse, giving modern antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs their scientific foundation. The discovery won the 1970 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
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10:01neurotransmitter re-uptake. >> Yes. We've heard about um SSRIs ser selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. That's what this is talking about. It's the idea that when neurons talk to one another, they release little chemical signals in their syninnapse, right? And that's how those junctions work. Now, when you release neurotransmitters, you can imagine that you're going to flood this little gap with a bunch of chemicals. Well, how come that junction doesn't remain on the whole time? It's because of re-uptake. The idea that you dump these chemicals and then the nerve has a way to bring the chemicals back
10:41out of that synaptic clft. And so, the talking between neurons can be a very fine time resolution thing. It doesn't go on for a really long time. I mean, this transforms psychiatric medicine and neuropharmacology because it provides a direct mechanical foundation for modern anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications like the SSRIs that I'm talking about that modulate this concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. Huge deal. >> Almost like a neur neurological version of the with the riptide when you're at the beach and it goes out and then it comes back in. and it won the 1970 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.