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Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
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Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
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Indirect-acting adrenergic agonists potentiate the effects of endogenous catecholamines through different mechanisms without directly binding to adrenoceptors.
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Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase,...
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
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Postganglionic sympathetic fibers (except those supplying the sweat glands) releasing noradrenaline or norepinephrine are called noradrenergic or adrenergic neurons. Noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline, or epinephrine are collectively called "catecholamines" as they contain a catechol moiety and an amine side chain. The five stages of neurotransmitter release involve their synthesis, storage, release, reuptake and metabolism.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Conducting Concurrent Electroencephalography and Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Recordings with a Flanker Task
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Noradrenaline transporter blockade increases fronto-parietal functional connectivity relevant for working memory.

Dennis Hernaus1, Marta Ma Casales Santa2, Jan Stefan Offermann2

  • 1University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry; Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, MD, USA.

European Neuropsychopharmacology : the Journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology
|March 15, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Atomoxetine, a noradrenaline transporter inhibitor, enhances brain network integrity for working memory. This study shows increased connectivity in fronto-parietal networks, improving cognitive performance.

Keywords:
CognitionDopamineFMRINoradrenalinePrefrontal cortexWorking memory

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Dopamine and noradrenaline are crucial for prefrontal cortex networks and working memory.
  • Human studies on functional connectivity often focus on dopaminergic drugs, neglecting noradrenergic mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of atomoxetine, a noradrenaline transporter inhibitor, on working memory and functional connectivity.
  • To explore the relationship between noradrenaline transporter blockade and fronto-parietal network integrity.

Main Methods:

  • 19 healthy male volunteers completed an n-back task.
  • A single dose of atomoxetine (60mg) was administered.
  • Functional connectivity was assessed using neuroimaging during high-working memory load.

Main Results:

  • Atomoxetine increased functional connectivity between the right anterior insula and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, precentral gyrus, posterior parietal cortex, and precuneus during high cognitive load.
  • Enhanced insula-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex connectivity correlated with reduced reaction time variability.
  • Working memory capacity predicted the degree of functional connectivity increase.

Conclusions:

  • Noradrenaline transporter blockade strengthens fronto-parietal working memory networks.
  • Individual variability in response to atomoxetine may inform understanding of catecholamine function and treatment response in clinical disorders.