NMDA
The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (also known as the NMDA receptor or NMDAR), is a glutamate receptor and ion channel found in neurons. It is crucial for learning.
- Blocks calcium influx into post synapse
- NMDA receptors are not specific to Sodium, they also let through Calcium.
- Blocked by APV
Role in neural plasticity
NMDA receptors (NMDARs) critically influence the induction of synaptic plasticity. NMDARs trigger both long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) via fast synaptic transmission.
Receptor activation
required for Potentiation > LTD.
If you give APV (=NMDA receptor block), the plasticity effect is much less pronounced. This provides evidence that the NMDA receptor is crucial for learning and plasticity.