Figure 2: Increased Neural Excitability by Inhibition of NMDA Receptors (IMAGE)

University of Tokyo

Figure 2: Increased Neural Excitability by Inhibition of NMDA Receptors

Caption

The research group used genetically engineered mice that expressed a green fluorescent protein when neural activity increases to monitor brain activity. (Left) Low-level neural activity during sleep without inhibition of NMDA receptors, a type of ion-channel protein found on the membrane of neurons. (Right) One important discovery was that in contrast to conventional theory, inhibiting NMDA receptors directly evokes neural activity and brings about waking.

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Copyright: Ueda lab.

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