metabotropic
/mɪˌtabəˈtrɒpɪk/ /mɪˌtabəˈtrəʊpɪk/Physiology
adjective
Originally: designating a neurotransmitter whose effect is mediated by metabolic alteration (i.e. enzyme activation and second messenger production) rather than direct regulation of ion channels. Now usually: designating or relating to a type of cell receptor whose effect is mediated in this way.
Origin
1970s. From metabo- + -tropic.