Chapter 11 - Ionotropic Receptors

Abstract

Ionotropic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels made up of three, four, or five protein subunits that together form an ion-conducting pore in the center of the receptor. There are four families of ionotropic receptors, which differ in their molecular structure and the ligands that open them. The effects of activating ionotropic receptors can be excitatory or inhibitory, according to the equilibrium potential for the ions they pass and the impact of these ion fluxes on membrane potential. Ionotropic receptors can be modulated by a range of endogenous substances, and they are often targets for therapeutic compounds.