Other Ionotropic Targets

Because AMPA receptors function in concert with NMDA receptors, they have been proposed as alternative therapeutic targets in schizophrenia. AMPAkines function as positive allosteric modulators of AMPA receptor-mediated neurotransmission, and facilitate learning and memory in both human (Ingvar et al., 1997) and animal (Hampson et al., 1998) models. Further, these drugs act synergistically with antipsycho-tics to reverse amphetamine-induced hyperactivity (Johnson et al., 1999). 

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Fig. 2 Substance P induced NTS plasticity targets in the cough reflex. Plasticity targets include (1) increased intrinsic excitabUity via closure of potassium channels, activation of nonselective cation channels, opening of L-type calcium channel, and intracellular calcium release. (2) increased synaptic excitability via an increased ionotropic glutamate receptor function, a decreased GABAa receptor function. Other compensatory mechanisms may also occur, including an increased GABA release and decreased glutamate release from the afferent terminals. AP area postrema...

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