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Neurotransmitter receptors

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File:7TM4 (GPCR).png

A neurotransmitter receptor is a membrane receptor protein that interacts with neurotransmitters and mediate the flow of sinals through a neural network. A membrane protein interacts with the lipid bilayer that encloses the cell [1] and a membrane receptor protein interacts with a chemical in the cells external environment, which binds to the cell [2] . Membrane receptor proteins are particularly important in neuronal and glial (involved in neuronal transmission, but not technically neurons) cells, because they allow cells to communicate with one another through chemical signals. Neurotransmitter receptors send and receive signals that trigger an electrical signal that runs along the neuron and can be passed along a neural network, by regulating the activity of ion channels. [3] It is important to appreciate that these receptors are not static structures but rather protein molecules produced within the neuron and they become temporarily embedded in the cell walls so that a portion of the molecule is exposed and acts as a binding site so that messenger molecules can attach themselves and so activate the receptor [citation needed]. The life cycle of individual receptors is only about 12-24 hours, after which they are deactivated through use or reabsorbed into the cell[citation needed]

Most nerve cells have between 2000 and 3000 receptors on their surface[citation needed]}. Even where cells are specialized for one type of receptor molecule they usually are sensitive to other neurotransmitters. So for example a serotonin cell may have dopamine receptors as well as opiate receptors etc. The absolute number of receptors and the ratio of inhibiory to excitory receptors determines the reaction of the cell.

Functional typesEdit


Ion channel coupled neurotransmitter receptorsEdit

A neurotransmitter receptor can be paired directly with an ion channel, but most send signals indirectly though guanyl nucleotide-binding proteins or G proteins [4] Interactions between neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter receptors are involved in a wide range of differing reactions from the cell receiving the signal, triggering anything from activation to inhibition.

Desensitization and ligand concentrationEdit


Relationship to the action of psychiaric drugsEdit

Most psychiatric medications do not act upon ionic receptors. Although the minor tranquilizers and benzodizepines do act by opening the chloride ion channels and for this reason are fast acting. However most are slow acting because they work through metabotropic mechanisms that alter the cells internal machinery over time through acting on the second messenger system.

Known neurotransmitter receptors (table2)[5]Edit

 α1A, α1b, α1c, α1d
 α2a, α2b, α2c, α2d
 β1, β2, β3
 D1, D2, D3, D4, D5
 H1, H2, H3
 Muscarinic: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5
 μ, δ1, δ2, κ

See alsoEdit

Notes and referencesEdit

  3. Levitan, Irwin B.; Leonard K. Kaczmarek (2002). The Neuron, Third pg. 285, Oxford University Press.

External linksEdit

Template:Transmembrane receptors


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