Neuromodulation: Enhancing Synaptic Response with Facilitation

What is the term used when a neuromodulator enhances the synaptic response by slowing down reuptake of a neurotransmitter or increasing the number of postsynaptic receptors?

A. facilitation

B. temporal summation

C. spatial summation

D. presynaptic potentiation

E. recruitment.

Answer:

Facilitation is the term used when a neuromodulator either slows down the reuptake of a neurotransmitter or increases the number of postsynaptic receptors, thereby enhancing the synaptic response.

When a neuromodulator slows the reuptake of a neurotransmitter or causes the expression of an increased number of receptors on postsynaptic neurons, the effect is known as facilitation. This biological mechanism enhances the response of the postsynaptic neuron to neurotransmitters, strengthening the synapse.

Facilitation plays a crucial role in processes like long-term potentiation (LTP), which is a persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity reflecting Hebbian learning principles. Neuromodulators can increase neurotransmitter action by preventing reuptake or by increasing receptor expression, making the postsynaptic neuron more sensitive to neurotransmitter signals.