Abstract
Postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) can be divided into two broad classes on the basis of mechanisms. One class is based on the direct binding of a transmitter molecule(s) with a receptor-channel complex; these receptors are ionotropic. The other class of PSPs is based on the indirect effect of a transmitter molecule(s) binding with a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which affects the channel either directly or through additional steps in which the level of a second messenger is altered. Whether a neuron fires in response to synaptic input depends, at least in part, on how many action potentials are produced in any one presynaptic excitatory pathway and on how many individual convergent excitatory input pathways are activated. The final behavior of the cell is also due to the summation of inhibitory PSPs in time and space, as well as to the properties of the voltage-dependent currents in the soma and along the dendrites.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
