SUBTYPES OF NMDA RECEPTORS

1. Beginning with electrophysiological evidence for two Populations of receptors for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) which did or did not respon d to the agonist quinolinic acid, evidence has grown for such subdivis ion. 2. Data from binding studies is consistent with differences betwe en three NMDA receptors in the striatum, thalamus and cerebellum with respect to their preferences for agonist or antagonist binding and the modulation of binding by dizocilpine, cations and polyamines. 3. The recent isolation and sequencing of several different molecular species of NMDA receptor supports the view that at least two pharmacologicall y distinct sites exist, with the cerebellar receptor being unique in t he brain.