Neurotransmitter and Ion Channels
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biology
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date published 26/11/2007
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SummaryClasses of Neurotransmitters Much of the information transfer between neurons in the CNS occurs via chemical synapses. These synapses use a variety of messengers (neurotransmitters) that are released in a Ca2+-dependent fashion from presynaptic terminals and act on specific protein receptors to produce biochemical and excitability changes in the receiving cell. There are two primary groups of neurotransmitters—low–molecular-weight amines and neuroactive peptides. These agents act on two classes of receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, at which the binding of the transmitter directly opens ion channels in the membrane, and G protein coupled receptors. The activated G protein then acts on ion channels or alters biochemical second-messenger systems. Physiologists classify synaptic transmission according to the speed of transmission (fast or slow) and according to the nature of the response (excitatory or inhibitory).
Table of Contents
- Currently, there are nine low–molecular-weight amines that serve as neurotransmitters.
- Conductance Mechanisms Underlying Neurotransmitter Actions
- Structure of Neurotransmitter Receptors Considerable information now exists about the primary structure of neurotransmitter receptors.
- The ligand-gated ion channels gated by extracellular ATP (called P2X receptors) are exceptions to the scheme described above and have structures more typical of the inwardly rectifying K+ channels.
- G-protein coupled receptors have a distinctly different structure from the ligand-gated ion channels.
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