ocd synaptic transmission

• Step 1: Action Potential Reaches the Presynaptic Neuron → An action potential (electrical impulse) travels down the axon of the presynaptic neuron towards the axon terminal.
• Step 2: Vesicles Release Serotonin into the Synaptic Cleft → The action potential causes calcium ion (Ca2+) channels in the presynaptic neuron to open. Calcium ions enter the neuron, causing synaptic vesicles (small sacs inside the neuron) to move towards the presynaptic membrane. The vesicles release serotonin into the synaptic cleft.
• Step 3: Serotonin Binds to Receptors on the Postsynaptic Neuron → The serotonin travel across the synaptic cleft and bind to specific serotonin receptors on the postsynaptic neuron's dendrites. This causes a new electrical impulse in the postsynaptic neuron.
• Step 4: Reuptake of Serotonin (Without SSRIs) → After serotonin has transmitted its signal, it is reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron. Once reabsorbed, serotonin is either stored in vesicles or broken down by enzymes. This reduces serotonin levels in the postsynaptic neuron, which may contribute to symptoms of OCD.
• Step 5: SSRIs Block the Reuptake → SSRI bind to the serotonin transporters on the presynaptic neuron, preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed, leaving more serotonin in the synaptic cleft.
• Step 6: Increased Serotonin Activity → With more serotonin available, there is an increase in binding to postsynaptic receptors. This strengthens the serotonin transmission, reducing OCD symptoms.