Modulation of ion-channel function by G-protein-coupled receptors.

Neurotransmitters acting through G-protein-coupled receptors change the electrical excitability of neurons. Activation of receptors can affect the voltage dependence, the speed of gating, and the probability of opening of various ion channels, thus changing the computational state and outputs of a neuron. Each cell expresses many kinds of receptors, and uses several intracellular signaling pathways to modulate channel function in different ways. It has become possible to dissect these pathways by combining pharmacological and biophysical experiments. Recent patch-clamp work in sympathetic neurons will be summarized to illustrate the mechanisms underlying modulation and its significance.