Ligand-Gated Channel Receptors. When a neurotransmitter molecule binds to a receptor that acts as a ligand-gated ion channel, a channel opens, allowing ions to flow across the membrane (see figure). The flow of positively charged ions into the cell depolarizes the portion of the membrane nearest the channel. Because this situation is favorable to the subsequent generation of an action potential...

The most important risk factors for anxiety disorders include genes, early life stress, and current stress. These factors do not act independently but interact with each other throughout human development through examples such as epigenetic modifications and complex forms of learning. The neural substrate of pathological anxiety includes hyperactivity in the amygdala and other limbic brain regi...

A mediator (synaptic transmitter, neurotransmitter) is a physiologically active substance found in nerve cell bound form, which secreted from an excited ending into the synaptic cleft and specifically acts on receptors of postsynaptic target [1].

schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric illness with a lifetime prevalence of ˜1% that imposes a huge toll on patients, their families and public health services worldwide. delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior and negative symptoms constitute the core symptoms of schizophrenia. although the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a prominent role in t...