PATHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Instead, a given neurotransmitter can usually bind to and activate multiple different receptor proteins. Whether the effect of a certain neurotransmitter is excitatory or inhibitory at a given synapse depends on which of its receptor(s) are present on the postsynaptic (target) cell.

Detailed explanation-2: -There are two types of neurotransmitter receptors: Ionotropic receptors (Ligand-gated receptors) Metabotropic receptors (G-protein coupled receptors).

Detailed explanation-3: -Most chemical transmitter/receptor systems are more complicated. In many cases, one neurotransmitter or neuropeptide is able to bind to a number of distinct targets. Alternatively, there are also many cases where different neurotransmitters/neuropeptides bind to the same receptor (Fig. 48.1).

Detailed explanation-4: -Sometimes neurotransmitters can bind to receptors and cause an electrical signal to be transmitted down the cell (excitatory). In other cases, the neurotransmitter can actually block the signal from continuing, preventing the message from being carried on (inhibitory).