The NMDA receptor is a protein on the surface of neurons (nerve cells). When the major excitatory NEUROTRANSMITTER, GLUTAMATE, binds to this protein, the central pore of the NMDA receptor channel opens—then cations (the ions of sodium,...

One of three IONOTROPIC GLUTAMATE receptor subtypes found in the central nervous system (CNS) that is activated by NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) (though note that NMDA does not occur naturally in the brain). Other ionotropic glutamate receptors are...

The NMDA receptor (NMDAR) is an ionotropic receptor for glutamate (NMDA (N-methyl D-aspartate) is a name of its selective specific agonist). Activation of NMDA receptors results in the opening of an ion channel that is nonselective to cations. This...

Glutamate is arguably the most important excitatory transmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), and the cell surface receptors which mediate the effects of glutamate release can be found at most excitatory synapses throughout the CNS. These receptors are divided into the slow,...

ABSTRACT Two distinct forms of desensitization have been characterized for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. One form results from a weakening of agonist affinity when channels are activated whereas the other form of desensitization results when channels enter a long-lived nonconducting state. A weakening of glycine...