The second class of neurotransmitter receptor is referred to as metabotropic receptors (Figure 21–2C). These are seventransmembrane G protein-coupled receptors of the type described in Chapter 2. The binding of neurotransmitter to this type of receptor does not result in the direct gating of a channel. Rather, binding to the receptor engages a G protein, which results in the production of second messengers that mediate intracellular signaling cascades such as those described in Chapter 2.
In neurons, activation of metabotropic neurotransmitter receptors often leads to the modulation of voltage-gated channels. These interactions can occur entirely within the plane of the membrane and are referred to as membrane-delimited pathways (Figure 21–2D). In this case, the G protein (often the βγ subunit) interacts directly with a voltage-gated ion channel. In general, two types of voltage-gated ion channels are the targets of this type of signaling: calcium channels and potassium channels. When G proteins interact with calcium channels, they inhibit channel
TABLE 21–1 Some toxins used to characterize ion channels.
function. This mechanism accounts for the inhibition of neurotransmitter release that occurs when presynaptic metabotropic receptors are activated. In contrast, when these receptors are post-synaptic, they activate (cause the opening of) potassium channels, resulting in a slow postsynaptic inhibition. Metabotropic receptors can also modulate voltage-gated channels less directly by the generation of diffusible second messengers (Figure 21–2E). A classic example of this type of action is provided by the β adrenoceptor, which generates cAMP via the activation of adenylyl cyclase (see Chapter 2). Whereas membrane-delimited actions occur within microdomains in the membrane, second messenger-mediated effects can occur over considerable distances. Finally, an important consequence of the involvement of G proteins in receptor signaling is that, in contrast to the brief effect of ionotropic receptors, the effects of metabotropic receptor activation can last tens of seconds to minutes. Metabotropic receptors predominate in the diffuse neuronal systems in the CNS (see below).
The communication between neurons in the CNS occurs through chemical synapses in the majority of cases. (A few instances of electrical coupling between neurons have been documented, and such coupling may play a role in synchronizing neuronal discharge. However, it is unlikely that these electrical synapses are an important site of drug action.) The events involved in synaptic transmission can be summarized as follows.
An action potential propagating down the axon of the presynaptic neuron enters the synaptic terminal and activates voltage-sensitive calcium channels in the membrane of the terminal (see Figure 6–3). The calcium channels responsible for the release of neurotransmitter are generally resistant to the calcium channel-blocking agents discussed in Chapter 12 (eg, verapamil) but are sensitive to blockade by certain marine toxins and metal ions (see Tables 21–1 and 12–4). As calcium flows into the terminal, the increase in intraterminal calcium concentration promotes the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane. The neurotransmitter contained in the vesicles is released into the synaptic cleft and diffuses to the receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. The neurotransmitter binds to its receptor and opens channels (either directly or indirectly as described above) causing a brief change in membrane conductance (permeability to ions) of the postsynaptic cell. The time delay from the arrival of the presynaptic action potential to the onset of the postsynaptic response is approximately 0.5 ms. Most of this delay is consumed by the release process, particularly the time required for calcium channels to open.