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Related Concept Videos

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation01:19

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels01:26

Voltage-gated Ion Channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. They are present on the membranes of all electrically excitable cells such as neurons, heart, and muscle cells.
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels01:26

Voltage-gated Ion Channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that open and close in response to changes in the membrane potential. They are present on the membranes of all electrically excitable cells such as neurons, heart, and muscle cells.
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 28, 2026

An Assay for Measuring the Effects of Ethanol on the Locomotion Speed of Caenorhabditis elegans
10:35

An Assay for Measuring the Effects of Ethanol on the Locomotion Speed of Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: April 9, 2015

Ethanol actions on multiple ion channels: which are important?

R A Harris1

  • 1Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, 78712, USA. harris@mail.utexas.edu

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|November 5, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Ethanol affects multiple brain ion channels, with evidence suggesting direct interaction with specific channel sites. Future research using mutant mice aims to identify which channels cause alcohol-induced behaviors.

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Last Updated: Jul 28, 2026

An Assay for Measuring the Effects of Ethanol on the Locomotion Speed of Caenorhabditis elegans
10:35

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Published on: April 9, 2015

Capturing the Interaction Kinetics of an Ion Channel Protein with Small Molecules by the Bio-layer Interferometry Assay
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Capturing the Interaction Kinetics of an Ion Channel Protein with Small Molecules by the Bio-layer Interferometry Assay

Published on: March 7, 2018

Flypub To Study Ethanol Induced Behavioral Disinhibition and Sensitization
08:13

Flypub To Study Ethanol Induced Behavioral Disinhibition and Sensitization

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Early research focused on ethanol's interaction with membrane lipids.
  • Recent research emphasizes ethanol's effects on protein sites, especially ion channels.
  • Molecular biology techniques enable study of isolated channels and genetic manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the search for ethanol's sites of action in the brain.
  • To highlight the shift in focus from lipids to protein targets, particularly ion channels.
  • To discuss the potential of molecular biology and mutant mice in understanding ethanol's effects.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and research findings.
  • Application of molecular biological techniques for studying ion channels.
  • Utilizing cellular expression systems to examine isolated channels.
  • Employing mutant mice to investigate ethanol's effects in vivo.

Main Results:

  • Compelling evidence indicates ethanol affects multiple ion channels.
  • Growing support for direct ethanol interaction with specific sites on ion channels.
  • Identification of ion channels as key targets for ethanol's action.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple ion channels are demonstrably affected by ethanol.
  • Ethanol likely interacts directly with specific sites on these ion channels.
  • Identifying the specific channels responsible for alcohol-induced behaviors remains a key challenge.