Roles of Presynaptic NMDA Receptors in Neurotransmission and Plasticity

Trends Neurosci. 2016 Jan;39(1):26-39. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2015.11.001. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

Abstract

Presynaptic NMDA receptors (preNMDARs) play pivotal roles in excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. They facilitate presynaptic neurotransmitter release and modulate mechanisms controlling synaptic maturation and plasticity during formative periods of brain development. There is an increasing understanding of the roles of preNMDARs in experience-dependent synaptic and circuit-specific computation. In this review we summarize the latest understanding of compartment-specific expression and function of preNMDARs, and how they contribute to synapse-specific and circuit-level information processing.

Keywords: NMDA receptors; cortex; development; synaptic plasticity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / physiology*
  • Receptors, Presynaptic / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Receptors, Presynaptic