Synaptic integration - Excitatory Synaptic Action Is Mediated by Glutamate-Gated Channels That Conduct Sodium and Potassium

5 important questions on Synaptic integration - Excitatory Synaptic Action Is Mediated by Glutamate-Gated Channels That Conduct Sodium and Potassium

The time profile of an EPSP shows an rise and fall. Which receptor contributes to which phase?

The non-NMDA receptors contribute to the rise phase, while the NMDA receptors contribute to the fall phase.

Which characteristics of the NMDA receptor dinstinguish it from the non-NDMA receptors?

  • permeability to Ca2+, Na+ and K+ compared to low permeability to Na+ and K+
  • glycine is a cofactor
  • depends on both voltage and tranmitters

What is the ion that blocks the NMDA receptor and only is released at a sufficient voltage?

Mg2+
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The NMDA receptor is slow to act to a signal input, however, its action increases rapidly the more input it receives. In addition, the influx of Ca2+ modulates proteins in the postsynaptic cell. What could be an hypothesis involving these actions of the NMDA receptor?

It may indicate that regular stimulation under the right circumstances (glycine and glutamate available) can give rise to postsynaptic modifications that enhance neurotransmission (e.g. memory/learning)

How come too much glutamate is highly neurotoxic?

The accompanied high influx of Ca2+ can lead to caspase activation... bypassing the protein quality control mechanisms.

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