although the pre-synaptic functions of α receptors have been a major focus (see above), the majority of α receptors in the brain are actually localized post-synaptically to noradrenergic terminals, and therefore aid in the function of norepinephrine. many post-synaptic α receptors have important effects on brain function; for example, α receptors are localized on prefrontal cortical neurons where they regulate higher cognitive function.