postsynaptiselle

Postsynaptiselle is a term used predominantly in French-language neuroscience to denote aspects related to the postsynaptic side of a synapse. It functions as an adjective (or occasionally a noun in some texts) describing structures, receptors, signaling pathways, or responses that occur on the receiving neuron or cell.

In synaptic transmission, the postsynaptic component responds to neurotransmitters released from the presynaptic terminal. Binding of neurotransmitters to postsynaptic receptors can directly gate ion channels, creating fast excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, or activate intracellular signaling cascades through metabotropic receptors. The resulting postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) contribute to the integration of synaptic input, influencing whether the postsynaptic neuron reaches threshold and fires an action potential. PSPs may be excitatory (EPSP) or inhibitory (IPSP) depending on the receptor type and ion conductance involved.

A key feature of postsynaptiselle-related biology is the postsynaptic density, a protein-rich zone beneath the postsynaptic membrane that anchors receptors and signaling molecules. Scaffolding proteins like PSD-95 organize receptor clusters, regulate receptor turnover, and coordinate signaling pathways that shape synaptic strength.

Plastic changes at the postsynaptic site underlie learning and memory. Activity can induce receptor trafficking, such as insertion or removal of AMPA receptors, phosphorylation of receptors or scaffolding proteins, and alterations in receptor sensitivity. These postsynaptic modifications support long-term potentiation and long-term depression.

In context, postsynaptiselle concepts apply to chemical synapses across the nervous system and, at the neuromuscular junction, to postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.