Neurotransmitter receptors

Neurotransmitter receptors may be Ionic receptors or Metabotropic receptors.

Ionic Recptors form an Ionic channels , example, Na-K pump , are transmembrane lying Ligands that act as ionic pore, and hence form permeability to certain ions.

 

Metabortropic receptors , on the contrary  are indirectly linked to Ion channels and work through signal transduction mechanism. The signal transduction mechanism may G protein couples receptors, Tyrosine Kinases, Gunaylyl cyclase receptors. So , they are linked indirectly to Ionchannelss such that wheen a metabotropic receptor is activated it causes the opening or closing of Ion channels through a series of seondary messengers. Hence, the Metabotropic receptors open the Ion channels slower than ionic receptors , and so are involved in processes not involving quick responses. They also remain opened for longer period of time. Their effect is more widespread. & like ionic receptors they may both opeen or close the ionic channels.