Ion channel-linked receptors will transmitter-gated ion channels or ionotrophic receptors that   are included in the rapid synaptic signaling among electrically excitable cells. Now binding of the ligand causes a conformational modifies in the protein like in which a specific ion channel is opened given in the figure. This permits a certain ion to flow by which subsequently changes the electric potential across the membrane. For instance, at the nerve-muscle junction the neurotransmitter acetylcholine binds to particular receptors which permits Na+ ions to flow into, and K ions out of, the goal cell.

                                   figure:  Signal transduction through an ion channel-linked receptor.