The unique properties of glutamate receptor channels

Abstract
Rapid excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS) is mediated predominantly by synaptically released l-glutamate which activates cation selective channels with different kinetic and ion conductance properties. Studies with cloned glutamate receptor channels helped delineate the functional properties of channels defined in subunit composition. Moreover, molecular studies have revealed novel genetic mechanisms controlling the expression of important structural channel determinants.