Editing Neurotransmitter receptor (section)

==Desensitization and neurotransmitter concentration==

Neurotransmitter receptors are subject to ligand-induced desensitization: That is, they can become unresponsive upon prolonged exposure to their neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitter receptors are present on both [[postsynaptic]] neurons ''and'' presynaptic neurons with the former being used to receive [[neurotransmitter]]s and the latter for the purpose of preventing further release of a given neurotransmitter.<ref name="web.indstate">{{cite web |url=http://web.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/nerves.html#table |title=THE Medical Biochemistry Page |publisher=Web.indstate.edu |access-date=2012-11-04 |archive-date=2019-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110235459/http://web.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/nerves.html#table |url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition to being found in neuron cells, neurotransmitter receptors are also found in various immune and muscle tissues. Many neurotransmitter receptors are categorized as a [[serpentine receptor]] or [[G protein-coupled receptor]] because they span the cell membrane not once, but seven times. Neurotransmitter receptors are known to become unresponsive to the type of [[neurotransmitter]] they receive when exposed for extended periods of time. This phenomenon is known as ligand-induced desensitization<ref name="web.indstate" /> or [[downregulation]].