Post synaptic receptors
Ionotropic
- Contains a ligand binding site
- Closed but opens when binding to the NT
- Contributes to fast changes in the membrane potential
Example:
NMDA receptor: excitatory for glutamate and plays an important role in synaptic plasticity
Metabotropic
- G-protein coupled receptor
- Secondary messenger involved
- Slow postsynaptic processes (role in plasticity)