Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor
The ability of synapses to modify their synaptic strength in response to activity is a fundamental property of the nervous system and may be an essential component of learning and memory. There are three classes of ionotropic glutamate receptors, namely NMDA receptor, AMPA receptor and kainate receptors. They are believed to play critical roles in synaptic plasticity. At many synapses in the brain, transient activation of NMDA receptors leads to a persistent modification in the strength of synaptic transmission mediated by AMPA receptors and kainate receptors can act as the induction trigger for long-term changes in synaptic transmission.
This family includes the four regions of the ionotropic glutamate receptors, i.e. the NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptors.
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