Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 region is a cellular correlate of learning and memory. The induction of LTP requires activation of which receptor, which acts as a coincidence detector?
- A Muscarinic M1 receptor
- B GABA-A receptor
- C NMDA receptor ✓
- D AMPA receptor alone
Correct answer: C. NMDA receptor
Explanation
The NMDA receptor acts as a coincidence detector, requiring both presynaptic glutamate release and postsynaptic depolarization to relieve its magnesium block and allow calcium influx, which triggers LTP. GABA-C receptors are inhibitory and oppose LTP. Muscarinic receptors modulate hippocampal function but are not required for LTP induction. AMPA receptors mediate fast excitatory transmission but their activation alone does not induce LTP.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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