Receptors and channels play critical roles in neurotransmission, enabling communication between neurons and transmitting signals across synapses. They are located on the cell membranes of both pre- and post-synaptic neurons, facilitating the transmission of neurotransmitters, allowing for the relay of information within the nervous system. Neurotransmitter receptors are proteins on the postsynaptic membrane that bind to neurotransmitters released by the presynaptic neuron. There are two main types: ionotropic receptors and metabotropic receptors. Ionotropic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels, regulating flow of ions across the cell membrane upon neurotransmitter binding. When a neurotransmitter binds to the receptor, the channel opens, allowing ions to enter or exit the neuron, and altering the membrane potential. This can lead to the generation of an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) or an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP), depending on the type of ionotropic receptor and the specific ions involved. Examples of ionotropic receptors include the AMPA, NMDA, and GABA-A receptors. Unlike ionotropic receptors, metabotropic receptors do not directly control ion flow, instead activating intracellular signalling pathways. When a neurotransmitter binds to a metabotropic receptor, it triggers intracellular events through G-proteins, leading to the modulation of second messenger systems. This indirect signalling process, although slower, can also have longer-lasting effects on the neuron's excitability and function. Examples of metabotropic receptors include G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Ion channels are specialized proteins in the cell membrane controlling ion flow in and out of the neuron. They are crucial for generating and propagating electrical signals along the neuronal membrane and contribute to various aspects of neurotransmission. Voltage-gated ion channels open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, voltage-gated calcium channels open, allowing calcium ions to enter. Calcium influx triggers neurotransmitter release by promoting vesicle fusion with the presynaptic membrane. Voltage-gated sodium channels similarly play a key role in the initiation and propagation of action potentials along the neuron, allowing the rapid influx of sodium ions, depolarizing the membrane. Ionotropic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that open in response to neurotransmitter binding. They are directly coupled to the receptor, and their activation leads to a change in membrane potential. For example, when glutamate binds to AMPA receptors, the channels open, allowing the influx of sodium ions, leading to an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). In contrast, when GABA binds to GABA-A receptors, the channels open, allowing the influx of chloride ions, leading to an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP). The roles of receptors and channels in neurotransmission are interconnected. Postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptors bind to neurotransmitters released from the presynaptic neuron, leading to the activation of ion channels and subsequent changes in the membrane potential. The resulting EPSPs or IPSPs influence the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential. Furthermore, the activation of metabotropic receptors can also modulate the function of ion channels indirectly through intracellular signalling pathways, influencing the overall excitability of the neuron and synaptic strength. We offer a large product range of research tools for studying neural receptors and channels, including c-Kit antibodies, ALK antibodies, Glutamate Receptor 1 (AMPA subtype) antibodies, c-Kit ELISA Kits, and Glutamate Receptor 1 (AMPA subtype) ELISA Kits. Explore our full neural receptors and channels product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our GPCR, Ligand Gated Ion Channels, and Potassium Channels product ranges.