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NMDA Receptor Interaction

Meaning

NMDA Receptor Interaction describes the critical binding and subsequent activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a crucial ionotropic glutamate receptor found predominantly at excitatory synapses in the central nervous system. This interaction is essential for mediating calcium influx into the postsynaptic neuron, which serves as the molecular trigger for long-term synaptic plasticity, the fundamental process underlying learning and memory formation. Dysregulation of this receptor is implicated in both excitotoxic neurotoxicity and impaired cognitive function.