The Sound of Evolution
Amphetamine
安非他命
Mechanism of action:
當 amphetamine 在突觸前神經末梢，會透過正腎上腺素轉運蛋白（NET，norepinephrine transporter） 與多巴胺轉運蛋白（DAT，dopamine transporter）等方式進入到神經細胞內，並進一步藉由 VMAT2（vesicular monoamine transporter 2）轉運蛋白進入突觸小泡，並干擾小泡內的質子梯度，使正腦上腺素與多巴胺從小泡洩漏到細胞質中。這些神經傳導物質接著經由正腦上腺素轉運蛋白與多巴胺轉運蛋白的逆向運作（reverse transport）釋放到突觸間隙，因此增加中樞神經內正腦上腺素與多巴胺的活性。
Reference(s):
1. Wu X et al. (1998). cDNA sequence, transport function, and genomic organization of human OCTN2, a new member of the organic cation transporter family. Biochem Biophys Res Commun.
2. Wu X et al. (1999). Functional characteristics and tissue distribution pattern of organic cation transporter 2 (OCTN2), an organic cation/carnitine transporter. J Pharmacol Exp Ther.
3. Rytting E et al. (2005). Novel organic cation transporter 2-mediated carnitine uptake in placental choriocarcinoma (BeWo) cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther.