Diffuse modulatory synapses or neuromodulation function different than simple point-to point synapses.
1. Number of postsynaptic neurons
In neuromodulation neuron uses one or more neurotransmitter to regulate several neurons. In Synaptic point-to-point transmission only one particular neuron receives signal from the presynaptic neuron.
2. Neurotransmitter sin neuromodulation (neuromodulators) are not reabsorbed broken down by the pre-synaptic neuron like those in classic synapse. Neuromodulators stay in cerebrospinal fluid.
3. Receptors are also different: the receptors for the neuromodulators are typically G-protein coupled receptors while in classical chemical neurotransmission, they are ligand-gated ion channels.
4. Neuromodulation is a slow process, while classic synaptic transmission occurs fast.
