Outline the production, release, and fate of noradrenaline at the sympathetic nerve terminal.
The question consisted of three parts (production, release and fate of noradrenaline). The
context was the sympathetic nerve terminal. The synthesis of Noradrenaline from Tyrosine was
expected. Better answers mentioned the roles of Tyrosine Hydrolase, DOPA Decarboxylase and
DOPA Beta-hydroxylase. Candidates were expected to describe the storage of Noradrenaline in
vesicles and Ca++-mediated exocytosis in response to an action potential. Noradrenaline binds to
post-synaptic and pre-synaptic receptors. Re-uptake, metabolism by MAO and COMT, and
diffusion away from the synaptic cleft should have been discussed. An accurate diagram could
be used to enhance the answer.