Neuron function question

[Kalman Rubinson]

On Fri, 24 Oct 2003 21:05:39 GMT, "David Todtman"
<dtodtmanREMOVETHHIS at shaw.ca> wrote:

>> 1.  Any receptor-mediated mechanism might be modulated by co-factors
>> or by other cellular mechanisms (like other metabotropic receptor
>> events).  In general though, you might think of it as a population
>> effect.  If more (or fewer) are simultaneously activated or serially
>> activated, the internal effect can be modulated proportionately
>Oh perfect!   I am getting this picture.
>
>I think I just have a few questions left at this point and then I'll stop
>prevailing on your time.
>
>Am I correct to understand that the metabotropic process does not directly
>cause the action potential?

Right but it can lead to it.

> My question here is about the other end of the
>cell:  I gather that ionotropic action causes the vesicles to migrate to the
>cell wall to release neurotransmitters.

I think you are confusing presynaptic with postsynaptic mechanisms.  

> So, I think this means that
>metabotropic action does not directly cause the vesicular process.  It
>(metabo.) may come into play with regard to modulating the production of
>neurotransmitters within the cell (which then are deposited into the
>vesicles awaiting release).  

It might but it might also open an ionotropic channel.  ;-)

KR