Synonyms
Receptor
Definition
An autoreceptor is a receptor located on the neuron (terminals, soma, and/or dendrites), and the function is to bind a specific ligand (such as neurotransmitters or hormones) released by that same neuron. The autoreceptor is mainly used as a feedback mechanism to monitor neurotransmitter synthesis and/or release. In most cases, a negative feedback happens, inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter. Dopaminergic neurons can have autoreceptors that regulate the release of dopamine. Autoreceptor regulation is very effective in modulating neurotransmission and is of interest for pharmacological intervention.
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Balamane, M., Kuczynski, B., Kolakowsky-Hayner, S.A. (2018). Autoreceptor. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1731
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