Kainate receptor
Kainate Receptor
The Kainate Receptor (pronounced: kai-nate re-cep-tor) is a type of Ionotropic glutamate receptor in the brain that responds to the neurotransmitter Glutamate. The name "Kainate" comes from kainic acid, a substance that acts upon these receptors.
Etymology
The term "Kainate" is derived from the Japanese word "kainin", which means "sea tangle". This is in reference to the red algae, Digenea simplex, from which kainic acid was first isolated. The term "receptor" comes from the Latin "receptus", meaning "received".
Function
Kainate receptors play a key role in the function of the Nervous system. They are involved in excitatory neurotransmission, which is the process of signal transmission between nerve cells. They are also implicated in several neurological disorders, including Epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
Related Terms
- Glutamate: The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, which kainate receptors respond to.
- Ionotropic glutamate receptor: A group of receptors that includes kainate receptors, AMPA receptors, and NMDA receptors.
- Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another 'target' neuron.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
- Alzheimer's disease: A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Kainate receptor
- Wikipedia's article - Kainate receptor
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