How do neurotransmitters normally function?
Typically, a nerve cell will transmit an impulse by releasing neurotransmitters into the space between it and a neighboring neuron which causes that neighboring neuron to be stimulated and pass the impulse on. Once a cell has released some neurotransmitter, the neurotransmitter undergoes a process called “re-uptake” where it is taken back into a protected space in the nerve cell ending, ready to be released again to transmit another impulse. In a well-functioning system, there is plenty of neurotransmitter available to stimulate the next nerve cell and transmit the impulse, and that neurotransmitter undergoes a cycle of storage, release, re-uptake and re-release as needed. The well-functioning system is also supplied with enough building blocks to make new supplies of neurotransmitters as old supplies break down and are metabolized away.
