AUTORECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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An autoreceptor is a specialized type of receptor found on the presynaptic neuron that is responsible for monitoring and regulating the release of neurotransmitters. These receptors play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis within the nervous system by providing a feedback mechanism to regulate the synthesis and release of neurotransmitters.
Autoreceptors are activated by the neurotransmitter that they themselves regulate. When the concentration of a particular neurotransmitter rises above a certain threshold, the autoreceptor is stimulated and triggers a negative feedback response. This response inhibits further release of the neurotransmitter, effectively reducing its concentration in the synaptic cleft. On the other hand, when the concentration of the neurotransmitter decreases, the activity of the autoreceptor decreases as well, resulting in increased synthesis and release of the neurotransmitter. This delicate balance ensures that the levels of neurotransmitters in the synapse remain within a narrow range.
Autoreceptors are critical in controlling the strength and duration of synaptic transmission, as they modulate the release of neurotransmitters. By adjusting the amount of neurotransmitter released into the synaptic cleft, autoreceptors help regulate neuronal activity, maintain stability, and prevent excessive or insufficient neurotransmitter signaling. Dysfunction or abnormalities in autoreceptors have been implicated in various neurological disorders, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and addiction.
In conclusion, autoreceptors are a specialized type of receptor found on presynaptic neurons that monitor and regulate the release of neurotransmitters. Their critical role in maintaining synaptic homeostasis and modulating neuronal activity underscores their importance in brain function and pathology.
Common Misspellings for AUTORECEPTOR
- zutoreceptor
- sutoreceptor
- wutoreceptor
- qutoreceptor
- aytoreceptor
- ahtoreceptor
- ajtoreceptor
- aitoreceptor
- a8toreceptor
- a7toreceptor
- auroreceptor
- auforeceptor
- augoreceptor
- auyoreceptor
- au6oreceptor
- au5oreceptor
- autireceptor
- autkreceptor
- autlreceptor
- autpreceptor
Etymology of AUTORECEPTOR
The word "autoreceptor" is derived from two components: "auto-" and "receptor".
1. "Auto-" comes from the Greek word "autos", meaning "self". It is commonly used as a prefix in English to denote something relating to oneself or self-regulation.
2. "Receptor" originates from the Latin word "receptus", which means "to receive". In biology and pharmacology, a receptor refers to a specialized protein molecule on the surface of a cell or within a cell that selectively binds to specific molecules (ligands) to initiate a cellular response.
Therefore, when combined, "autoreceptor" can be understood as a receptor located on a cell that responds to or receives signals from the same cell, allowing for self-regulation or self-feedback mechanisms within the cell.
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