Mechanism of

action of
Neurotransmitt
er

Binding with Receptor Proteins

1. Binding Component- protrudes outward from the
membrane into the synaptic cleft; binding of the
neurotransmitter from the presynaptic terminal happens
here.
2. Ionophore Component- passes all the way through
postsynaptic membrane to the interior of the
postsynaptic neuron.

Two Types of Ionophore

a. Ion Channel- allows passage of specified types of ions
through the
membrane
b. Second Messenger Activator-molecule that protrudes
into the cell
cytoplasm and activates one or more
substances inside the
postsynaptic neuron. Second
Messengers to increase or
decrease specific cellular
function.

Two Types of Ion Channels

Cation- allows sodium ions to pass when opened;
sometimes allow
potassium and or calcium iona

Anion- allows mainly chloride ions to pass but also

minute quantities of other ions

Second Messenger Mechanism

Prolonged postsynaptic neuronal excitation or inhibition
Most common are G-proteins attached to a portion of a
receptor that protrudes into the postsynaptic element
3 components of G protein
Alpha-activator
Beta and Gamma- attached to Alpha and to the inside of the cell
membrane adjacent to the receptor protein

Upon activation of G-protein the alpha portion separates

from the beta and gamma and moves freely in the
cytoplasm

Four possible activities of Alpha

component
1. Opens membrane channel specific for an ion species such as
sodium or potassium.
2. Activates cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or cyclic
guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)
3. Activates enzymes
4. Activates gene transcription and protein synthesis

Excitatory or Inhibitory Receptors in

the Postsynaptic Membrane
Excitation
1. Opening of sodium channels to allow large numbers of
positive electrical charges to flow to the interior of the
postsynaptic cell
2. Depressed conduction through chloride or potassium
channels, or both.

3. Various changes in the internal metabolism of the

postsynaptic neuron to excite cell activity or, in some instances,
to increase the number of excitatory membrane receptors or
decrease the number of inhibitory membrane receptors.

Inhibition
1. Opening of chloride ion channels through the
postsynaptic neuronal membrane.
2. Increase in conductance of potassium ions out of the
neuron.
3. Activation of receptor enzymes