Mechanism of Action: Reserpine works by depleting the body's stores of catecholamines, which are neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. This depletion occurs through the following steps: Inhibition of Vesicular Monoamine Transporter (VMAT): Reserpine inhibits the VMAT, a protein responsible for transporting catecholamines from the cytoplasm into storage vesicles within neurons and other cells like platelets. Catecholamine Depletion: As a result of VMAT inhibition, catecholamines cannot be stored in vesicles. They remain in the cytoplasm, where they are metabolized by monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes. Reduced Release of Catecholamines: With depleted stores of catecholamines in vesicles, there is a significant reduction in the amount of these neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft upon nerve stimulation.

Silk Road

A network of trade routes established during the Han Dynasty in China, connecting the East and West.

Han Dynasty

The dynasty during which the Silk Road was established.

Silk

The most valuable commodity traded along the Silk Road.

What facilitated the exchange of spices, tea, porcelain, and precious metals among traders?

The Silk Road.

Fill in the blank: The Silk Road was named after __________, the most valuable commodity traded along it.

silk.