A heteroreceptor is a receptor regulating the synthesis and/or the release of mediators other than its own ligand.[1]
Heteroreceptors respond to neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, or neurohormones released from adjacent neurons or cells; they are opposite to autoreceptors, which are sensitive only to neurotransmitters or hormones released by the cell in whose wall they are embedded.[2]
^Millan, M. J.; Lejeune, F.; Gobert, A. (2000). "Reciprocal autoreceptor and heteroreceptor control of serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic transmission in the frontal cortex: Relevance to the actions of antidepressant agents". Journal of Psychopharmacology. 14 (2): 114–138. doi:10.1177/026988110001400202. PMID10890307. S2CID18333385.
^Schlicker, E.; Malinowska, B.; Kathmann, M.; Göthert, M. (1994). "Modulation of neurotransmitter release via histamine H3 heteroreceptors". Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology. 8 (2): 128–137. doi:10.1111/j.1472-8206.1994.tb00789.x. PMID8020871. S2CID21816655.