In vitro studies have suggested that the NMDA receptor consists of an
essential subunit, NR1, and various modulatory NR2 subunits. To test t
his hypothesis directly in vivo, we generated mice carrying a disrupte
d NR1 allele. NMDA-inducible increases in intracellular calcium and me
mbrane currents were abolished in neurons from homozygous null mutants
(NR1(-/-)). Thus, NR1 has a unique role, which cannot be substituted
by any other subunit, in determining the activity of the endogenous NM
DA receptor. A concomitant reduction in levels of NR2B but not NR2A oc
curred in NR1(-/-) mice, demonstrating that there is an interdependenc
e of subunit expression. NR1(-/-) mice died 8-15 hr after birth, indic
ating a vital neonatal function for the NMDA receptor. Although the NM
DA receptor has been implicated in several aspects of neurodevelopment
, overall neuroanatomy of NR1(-/-) appeared normal. Pathological evide
nce suggested that respiratory failure was the ultimate cause of death
.