Heteroreceptor
A heteroreceptor is a receptor regulating the synthesis and/or the release of mediators other than its own ligand.[1]
Heteroreceptors respond to
neuromodulators, or neurohormones released from adjacent neurons or cells; they are opposite to autoreceptors, which are sensitive only to neurotransmitters or hormones released by the cell in whose wall they are embedded.[2]
Examples
- Norepinephrine can influence the release of acetylcholine from parasympathetic neurons by acting on α2 adrenergic (α2A, α2B, and α2C) heteroreceptors.[3]
- Acetylcholine can influence the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons by acting on muscarinic-2 and muscarinic-4 heteroreceptors.
- glutamate,[6]playing a crucial role in maintaining a homeostasis between excitatory and inhibitory transmission.
See also
References
 | This article about a biochemical receptor is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
 | This molecular or cell biology article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |