page_title: Norepinephrine transporter
section_title: Amphetamines
hierarchical_section_title: Norepinephrine transporter / Psychostimulants / Amphetamines
context_page_description: The norepinephrine transporter, also known as noradrenaline transporter and solute carrier family 6 member 2, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC6A2 gene.
  NET is a monoamine transporter and is responsible for the sodium-chloride-dependent reuptake of extracellular norepinephrine, which is also known as noradrenaline. NET can also reuptake extracellular dopamine. The reuptake of these two neurotransmitters is essential in regulating concentrations in the synaptic cleft. NETs, along with the other monoamine transporters, are the targets of many antidepressants and recreational drugs. In addition, an overabundance of NET is associated with ADHD. There is evidence that single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the NET gene may be an underlying factor in some of these disorders.
context_section_description: Amphetamines have an effect on norepinephrine levels similar to that of cocaine in that they both increase NE levels in the brain. Amphetamine-like drugs are substrates for monoamine transporters, include NET, that cause a reversal in the direction of neurotransmitter transport. Amphetamines cause a large accumulation of extracellular NE. High levels of NE in the brain account for most of the profound effects of amphetamines, including alertness and anorectic, locomotor and sympathomimetic effects. However, the effects that amphetamines have on the brain are slower but last longer than the effects cocaine has on the brain. MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or "ecstasy") is an amphetamine with wide recreational use. A study reported that the NET inhibitor reboxetine reduced the stimulant effects of MDMA in humans, demonstrating the crucial role NET has in the cardiovascular and stimulant-like effects of MDMA.
caption: The chemical structure of MDMA or "ecstasy"