What are NMDA receptors?

NMDA receptors are a specific type of receptor located on the surface of neurons. They play a critical role in neurotransmission and neuroplasticity by binding glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. The NMDA receptor functions as an "and gate," meaning it requires both glutamate binding and a high level of electrical activity to be activated. This receptor is particularly vital for processes like learning and the formation of new neural connections, known as long-term potentiation (LTP) 1.

Furthermore, during events of high or unusual neural activity, NMDA receptors facilitate changes within the neurons, such as gene expression modifications and the placement of other receptors on the cell surface. This process enables neurons to respond more efficiently to subsequent stimuli, which is a fundamental aspect of neuroplasticity. Essentially, NMDA receptors detect unusual neural activities and initiate cellular changes to accommodate and streamline future responses to similar activities 2.