Norepinephrine Transporter [NET] (or noradrenaline transporter (NAT)) is a monoamine transporter that transports the neurotransmitter noradrenaline from the synapse back to its vesicles for storage until later use. It also appears to transport the neurotransmitter dopamine in the same way, but to a lesser degree. Studies have shown a decrease in NET levels in the locus coeruleus in patients diagnosed with major depression (Klimek et al., 1997). Cocaine, amphetamines and many therapeutic antidepressants, such as the SNRIs (Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) and the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) act to raise noradrenaline. Furthermore, deficits in the NET gene have been associated with ADHD (Kim et al., 2006).
