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Two molecular mechanisms for synaptic plasticity involve the NMDA and AMPA glutamate receptors. Opening of NMDA channels (which relates to the level of cellular depolarization) leads to a rise in post-synaptic Ca 2+ concentration and this has been linked to long-term potentiation, LTP (as well as to protein kinase activation); strong depolarization of the post-synaptic cell completely ...
The binding of a ligand to the receptor causes a conformation change in the receptor. This conformation change can affect the activity of the receptor and result in the production of active second messengers. [citation needed] In the case of G protein-coupled receptors, the conformation change exposes a binding site for a G-protein.
Calcium is a ubiquitous second messenger with wide-ranging physiological roles. [3] These include muscle contraction , neuronal transmission (as in an excitatory synapse ), cellular motility (including the movement of flagella and cilia ), fertilization , cell growth (proliferation), neurogenesis , learning and memory as with synaptic ...
These are collectively referred to as postsynaptic receptors, since they are located on the membrane of the postsynaptic cell. Postsynaptic potentials are important mechanisms by which neurons communicate with each other allowing for information processing, learning, memory formation, and complex behavior within the nervous system. [2]
This provided early evidence that the NMDA receptor — and by extension, LTP — was required for at least some types of learning and memory. Similarly, Susumu Tonegawa demonstrated in 1996 that the CA1 area of the hippocampus is crucial to the formation of spatial memories in living mice. [ 58 ]
Biochemical changes can reduce receptor affinity for a ligand. [41] Reducing the sensitivity of the receptor is a result of receptors being occupied for a long time. This results in a receptor adaptation in which the receptor no longer responds to the signaling molecule. Many receptors have the ability to change in response to ligand ...
Kainate receptors are expressed in a variety of brain regions and are involved in processes such as sensory processing, motor control, and learning and memory. Each subtype of glutamate receptor has a unique function and plays a crucial role in neuronal communication and plasticity. [14]
Neuromodulation is the physiological process by which a given neuron uses one or more chemicals to regulate diverse populations of neurons. Neuromodulators typically bind to metabotropic, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to initiate a second messenger signaling cascade that induces a broad, long-lasting signal.