Question

How do the diffuse modulatory and point-to-point synaptic communication systems in the brain differ? list four ways?

Answer 1

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.