Question

Changes in the interaction between neurons or neural plasticityoccur throughout the nervous system. In particular, it is believedthat synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus is critical for storingspecific types of information that are involved in thepsychological process of memory. There is extensive evidenceindicating that specific glutamate receptors atasymmetric/excitatory synapses are involves in specific aspects ofacquisition and maintenance/expression of synaptic plasticity.

Describe the roles of the NMDA and AMPA receptors in synapticplasticity within in the hippocampus. Your answer should addressthe nature of the input necessary to induce synaptic plasticity andhow each of these receptors contribute to that process, including abrief description of downstream signaling. As well as, attributesof these receptors that allow them to perform specific roles insynaptic plasticity