How does NMDA receptor work?

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is a specific type of receptor found on nerve cells, which plays a crucial role in mediating brain functions such as neuroplasticity and learning. Andrew Huberman describes the NMDA receptor as a type of 'and gate' in neuronal function, which only activates under specific conditions. Neuroplasticity, for instance, requires the binding of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, combined with a high frequency or intensity of electrical activity to activate the NMDA receptor. This activation leads to downstream intracellular processes that can alter gene expression and increase the number of receptors on the neuron's surface, facilitating changes in the neuron's functioning over time 1 2 3.

The NMDA receptor's response to unusually high levels of activity means it selectively supports learning and memory processes when neurons fire at high frequencies or under novel conditions, thus encoding new experiences or modifying existing neural pathways 4 5 2 3.