N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptors

Also known as:  NMDA Receptors;  N-methyl-D-Aspartic Acid Receptors

N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptors are a sub-type of Glutamate Receptors (Stimulatory Neurotransmitter Receptors) located in the Brain.  NMDA Receptors are unique because receptor function is mediated not only by the interaction between the Receptor and Neurotransmitters acid, but is also dependent on the membrane potential.  Therefore, activation of NMDA Receptors requires additional synaptic inputs (i.e. NMDA Receptors have a "conditional" nature to their activation - which is highly unusual).

Nervous System

 NMDA Receptors are involved in maintaining Alertness.  ^[1]

 Large concentration of NMDA Receptors are located in the Hippocampus of the Brain.

 NMDA Receptors are involved in Learning:  ^[2]

 Caution:  over-stimulation of NMDA Receptors (by excitotoxins) can impair Learning.

 NMDA Receptors are essential for the induction and potentiation of Memory - Long-Term:

 Caution:  over-stimulation of NMDA Receptors (by excitotoxins) can impair Memory.

 NMDA Receptors control the flow of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Chloride Ions across Neurons.

Substances that are capable of excessively exciting NMDA Receptors are known as Excitotoxins.

Substances that enhance NMDA activity also enhance Learning.

Amino Acids

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) may protect NMDA Receptors from the degeneration that occurs during Aging, rejuvenates existing NMDA Receptors and increases the number of NMDA Receptors:  ^[3]

 ALC may counteract Ecstacy-inflicted damage to NMDA Receptors.

 Aspartic Acid binds to and stimulates NMDA Receptors:

 Caution:  excessive ingestion of Aspartic Acid over stimulates the NMDA Receptors.