Synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptors: Problems and prospects

This review is devoted to the problem of induction of differently directed NMDA-dependent longterm plasticity in the central nervous system and their transformation into pathological changes. Their hypothetical mechanisms and the corresponding experimental data are discussed. Special attention is paid to the functional characteristics of synaptic and extrasynaptic NR1/NR2A and NR1/NR2B receptors, their different involvement in the spatiotemporal organization of Ca²⁺ signaling, and peculiarities of biochemical reactions of the cell. The possible structural reorganization of NMDA receptors as one of the kinds of plasticity is also analyzed.