NMDA receptor
<p>Nov 12, 2009 12:07 PM
 
NMDAR =  NMDA receptor is a glutamate receptor;    is the predom molec device for controlling
synaptic plasticity and memory function!!!!!
 
NMDA is a selective agonist that binds to NMDA receptors but not to other glutamate receptos.
 
Activation of NMDA recepts results in opening an ion channel that is non selective to cations.
 
Calcium flux thru NMDARs palys a critical role in synap plasticity - a mech of learning and memory.
 
It is  ligand-dated and voltage dependent.
 </p>
<h2>Functional role  ... coincidence detection</h2>
<p>The NMDA receptor is a non-specific cation channel and, thus, directly contributes to excitatory <a title="Synaptic transmission" class="mw-redirect" href="/wiki/Synaptic_transmission">synaptic transmission</a> by depolarizing the postsynaptic cell. With regard to <a title="Synaptic plasticity" href="/wiki/Synaptic_plasticity">synaptic plasticity</a>, the role of the NMDA receptor is best described as <a title="Coincidence detection" class="mw-redirect" href="/wiki/Coincidence_detection">coincidence detection</a>: Only if both the pre- and postsynaptic cells are simultaneously active will NMDA receptors become unblocked and allow calcium ions to enter the postsynaptic cell. Thus, the NMDA receptor converts an electrical signal into a biochemical signal that can trigger synaptic plasticity.</p>