Enzymatic Deactivation

Enzymatic deactivation (also known as enzymatic degradation) is a mechanism that makes neurotransmitters inactive. Enzymatic deactivation occurs when an enzyme changes the structure of a neurotransmitter so that it is no longer recognized by the receptor.

An example is enzymatic deactivation is seen with acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChE is an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine so that it is no longer effective.