1. The definition is different: presynaptic inhibition is the decrease of neurotransmitter release caused by inhibitory fibers of excitatory nerve endings; Postsynaptic inhibition is the change of postsynaptic membrane permeability, which makes the membrane potential lower than the threshold.
2. Essentially different: Presynaptic inhibition is a phenomenon that changes the activity of presynaptic membrane and ultimately reduces the excitability of postsynaptic neurons, thus causing inhibition; Postsynaptic inhibition is that the excitation of neurons leads to the release of inhibitory transmitters by inhibitory intermediate neurons, which act on specific receptors on postsynaptic membranes and produce inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, thus inhibiting postsynaptic neurons.
3. Different characteristics: Presynaptic inhibition is interesting polarization rather than hyperpolarization, with long incubation period and long duration; Postsynaptic inhibition is super-inhibition.
4. Different meanings: the reduction of presynaptic inhibition or the exclusion of interfering information make the sensory function more refined; Postsynaptic inhibition is the regulation of neurons themselves.
5. Presynaptic inhibition is only an inhibition; Postsynaptic inhibition includes afferent collateral inhibition and regression inhibition.