title: Endogenous neurotransmitter activates N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors on differentiating neurons in embryonic cortex.
abstract: Before synapses form in embryonic turtle cerebral cortex, an endogenous neurotransmitter activates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) channels on neurons in the cortical plate. Throughout cortical development, these channels exhibit voltage-dependent Mg2+ blockade and are antagonized by D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, a selective NMDA receptor antagonist. The activation in situ of these nonsynaptic NMDA channels demonstrates a potential physiological substrate for control of early neuronal differentiation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University Medical Center, CA 94305.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Blanton
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Lo Turco
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Kriegstein
mesh_terms: D015763:2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian; D005971:Glutamates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D008274:Magnesium / Q000494:pharmacology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014426:Turtles
chemical_list: D005971:Glutamates; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D015763:2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate; D008274:Magnesium