NMDA receptor
Pronunciation: N-meth-il-D-as-par-tate
Also written as: NMDA — N-methyl-D-aspartate
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, a glutamate receptor critical for synaptic plasticity and memory formation.
Full Definition
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor is a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptor that plays a crucial role in excitatory neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation. In neuroimmunology, NMDA receptors are significant as targets for autoimmune attack in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. These receptors are calcium-permeable and require both glutamate binding and membrane depolarization for activation, making them voltage-dependent. Dysfunction or autoimmune targeting of NMDA receptors can lead to severe neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
Usage
Usage note: When abbreviated as NMDA, always specify 'receptor' on first use in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Anti-NMDA receptor antibodies were detected in the patient's CSF, confirming the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis." — Laboratory report
- "The patient exhibited classic symptoms of NMDA receptor encephalitis including psychiatric manifestations and seizures." — Clinical case study