The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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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, potassium, and calcium) are able to cross the cell membrane. The movement of cations through the pore results in neuronal excitation.
The NMDA receptor is one of several cell receptor surface proteins activated by glutamate. The HALLUCINOGEN PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP) blocks the open channel of the NMDA receptor preventing cation flow. It is believed that overactivation of the NMDA receptor could be responsible for the neuronal cell death observed following some forms of stroke; it may even be involved in the cell death associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
CHOI, D. (1988). Glutamate neurotoxicity and diseases of the nervous system. Neuron, 1, 623-634.
COLLINGRIDGE, G., & LESTER, R. (1989). Excitatory amino acid receptors in the vertebrate central nervous system. Pharmacology Reviews, 40(2), 145-210.
MAYER, M. L., & WESTBROOK, G. L. (1987). The physiology of excitatory amino acids in the vertebrate central nervous system. Progress in Neurobiology, 28, 197-276.