title: The synaptic activation of NMDA receptors and Ca2+ signalling in neurons.
abstract: Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus is a model system for understanding the synaptic basis of learning and memory. We have studied the mechanism of induction of LTP using voltage-clamp techniques and confocal imaging of Ca2+ in rat hippocampal slices. In the Schaffer collateral-commissural pathway the neurotransmitter L-glutamate activates two classes of ionotropic receptor, named after the selective ligands AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate) and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate). During low frequency transmission the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) is mediated predominantly by AMPA receptors. NMDA receptors play a minor role because their ion channels are substantially blocked by Mg2+, and this block is intensified by GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition. During high frequency transmission the GABA-mediated inhibition is depressed, by mechanisms initiated by GABAB autoreceptors. This allows a greater contribution from the NMDA receptors, through which Ca2+ enters the dendrites of the postsynaptic neurons to initiate a cascade of biochemical processes which ultimately result in enhanced synaptic efficiency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, University of Birmingham, Medical School, Edgbaston, UK.
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Collingridge
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Randall
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alford
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D002118:Calcium