Long-term potentiation (LTP) at hippocampal synapses is considered the cellular basis of memory formation. The induction of LTP requires activation of which receptor?

• A GABA-A receptor
• B Beta-adrenergic receptor
• C Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
• D NMDA receptor ✓

Explanation

LTP induction requires NMDA receptor activation, which allows calcium influx only when the postsynaptic neuron is sufficiently depolarized to relieve the magnesium block. This coincidence detection is fundamental to synaptic plasticity underlying memory. GABA-A receptors are inhibitory and would not mediate LTP induction.

Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.