Norepinephrine Storage Vesicles

Norepinephrine storage vesicles are specialized organelles within noradrenergic neurons and certain other cell types that store the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) prior to its release into the synaptic cleft or extracellular space. These vesicles play a critical role in regulating neurotransmission, ensuring rapid and controlled release of norepinephrine in response to neuronal signals. They function by storing norepinephrine after uptake via VMAT, releasing it via exocytosis, and participating in recycling after reuptake. There are small dense-cored and large dense-cored vesicles. Agents like reserpine inhibit VMAT function, depleting norepinephrine and reducing neurotransmitter availability.

Other names

Noradrenaline Storage VesiclesNorepinephrine GranulesNoradrenaline GranulesCatecholamine Storage Vesicles

VMAT inhibitors prevent norepinephrine uptake into storage vesicles, leading to depletion of norepinephrine stores and reduced neurotransmission.