NMDAR2A (N-Methyl D-Aspartate) Mouse, Unlabeled, Clone: 5, BD

Description

• The majority of synapses in the central nervous system utilize glutamate as a neurotransmitter to produce rapid neuronal excitation
• Glutamate has a diverse array of receptors that can be categorized into two groups, ionotropic and metabotropic
• The ionotropic receptors are subdivided into two distinct types: 1) receptors for N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDAR) and 2) non-NMDA receptors for AMPA and kainate
• Four types of NMDAR2 have been identified: NMDAR2A (NR2A), NR2B, NR2C, and NR2D
• NR2A and NR2B contain a C-terminal extension (> 600 amino acids) that has small, scattered regions of conserved sequence
• In embryonic stages, NR2B is expressed throughout the brain, while NR2D is found in diencephalon and brainstem
• After birth, NR2A is found throughout the brain, and NR2C is expressed in cerebellum
• At this time, NR2B expression becomes restricted to the forebrain, and NR2D expression is strongly reduced
• Deletion of the most widespread postnatal NR subunit, NR2A, does not have adverse affects on brain development, but reduces long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus and impairs spatial and contextual learning
• Thus, NR2A may be critical for postnatal learning
• Western Blotting