The metabotropic glutamate receptors: structure and functions

Neuropharmacology. 1995 Jan;34(1):1-26. doi: 10.1016/0028-3908(94)00129-g.

Abstract

Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. For many years it has been considered to act only on ligand-gated receptor channels--termed NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptors--involved in the fast excitatory synaptic transmission. Recently, glutamate has been shown to regulate ion channels and enzymes producing second messengers via specific receptors coupled to G-proteins. The existence of these receptors, called metabotropic glutamate receptors, is changing our views on the functioning of fast excitatory synapses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Calcium Channels
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Cyclic GMP
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Glutamic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / chemistry
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology*
  • Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate / chemistry
  • Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate / genetics
  • Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate
  • Glutamic Acid
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Cyclic GMP