NMDAR2A (N-Methyl D-Aspartate) Mouse, Unlabeled, Clone: 5, BD

The majority of synapses in the central nervous system utilize glutamate as a neurotransmitter to produce rapid neuronal excitation. Glutamate has a diverse array of receptors that can be categorized into two groups, ionotropic and metabotropic. The ionotropic receptors are subdivided into two distinct types: 1) receptors for N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDAR) and 2) non-NMDA receptors for AMPA and kainate. Four types of NMDAR2 have been identified: NMDAR2A (NR2A), NR2B, NR2C, and NR2D. NR2A and NR2B contain a C-terminal extension (> 600 amino acids) that has small, scattered regions of conserved sequence. In embryonic stages, NR2B is expressed throughout the brain, while NR2D is found in diencephalon and brainstem. After birth, NR2A is found throughout the brain, and NR2C is expressed in cerebellum. At this time, NR2B expression becomes restricted to the forebrain, and NR2D expression is strongly reduced. Deletion of the most widespread postnatal NR subunit, NR2A, does not have adverse affects on brain development, but reduces long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus and impairs spatial and contextual learning. Thus, NR2A may be critical for postnatal learning.

Western Blotting