Objectif Excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system is mediated by glutamate receptors (GluR). In the hippocampus, the NMDA subtype of GluR provides a mechanism for Ca2+ entry into the neurons during synaptic activity, thereby triggering various forms of synaptic plasticity. However, the overstimulation of NMDA receptors leads to an excessive accumulation of intracellular Ca2+, resulting in neurotoxicity. The NMDA receptor has regulatory binding sites for glycine, poliamines, protons, Zn, Mg, and its activity can be modulated by a large number of drugs. Despite massive efforts devoted over the last few years to understand the mechanisms of NMDA receptor function, many important questions remain unclear. This study will focus on the different modulatory binding sites of the NMDA receptor complex. Using electrophysiological, biochemical, pharmacological, and fluorometric approaches a study will be made of how binding of non-competitive agonists and antagonists influence the physiological function of NMDA receptors. First, the action of the drugs on freshly isolated rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons will be examined. The knowledge obtained will then be applied further to study the modulation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices. The study will enhance understanding of NMDA receptor function in the mammalian brain and will provide insight into the mechanisms which underlie learning and memory formation. Programme(s) IC-INTAS - International Association for the promotion of cooperation with scientists from the independent states of the former Soviet Union (INTAS), 1993- Thème(s) 43 - Physiology and Fundamental Medical Science Appel à propositions Data not available Régime de financement Data not available Coordinateur Universität des Saarlandes Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Universität Campus 59 66421 Homburg-Saar Allemagne Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Participants (3) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire MRC National Institute for Medical Research Royaume-Uni Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse The Ridgeway Mill Hill NW7 1AA London Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Ukraine Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 252024 Kiev Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Russian Academy of Sciences Russie Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 197376 St. Petersburg Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée
