[AMPA receptor desensitization and fast excitatory synaptic transmission]

Abstract

AMPA(alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor, an ionotropic glutamate receptor subtype, mediates fast excitatory synaptic transmission in central nervous system. Recently, the distinct characteristics of AMPA receptor desensitization have been gradually revealed and a number of chemicals which selectively modulate AMPA receptor desensitization have been developed. Many lines of physiological and pharmacological evidence show that AMPA receptor desensitization plays an important role in fast excitatory synaptic transmission by affecting transmission efficacy of individual synaptic bouton, integrative functions of neuron, and synapse plasticity.