Lozova N. Role of the extrasynaptic NMDA receptors in hippocampal CA3-CA1 synaptic transmission

Mechanisms of glutamatergic synaptic transmission regulation, including mechanisms of glutamate release, activation of synaptic and extrasynaptic glutamate receptors were investigated in rat hippocampal slices. To discover appropriateness and distinctions of activation of synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors, detailed analysis of phamacological and electrophysiological properties of excitatory postsynaptic currents in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurones have been carried out. Combining different electrophysiological approach data allowed getting insight into mechanisms of synaptic transmission functioning under conditions of normal and increased neurotransmitter release have been obtained. Key words: synaptic transmission, glutamate-activated receptor-channel complex, synaptic and extrsynaptic NMDA receptors, glutamate transport systems, glutamate spillover.