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Normal: presynaptic release activates postsynaptic receptors; dopamine cleared by transporter; cocaine blocks transporter, prolonging dopamine.
Normal: dopamine cleared mainly by extracellular enzymes; cocaine increases vesicle release, not reuptake.
Normal: dopamine is taken up by postsynaptic cells; cocaine acts as a direct postsynaptic dopamine agonist.
Normal: dopamine is rapidly metabolized in the cleft; cocaine inhibits those enzymes, causing accumulation.