Ionotropic Receptors:

AMPA Receptors: Mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission.

NMDA Receptors: Involved in synaptic plasticity and memory function, requiring both ligand binding and membrane depolarization.

Kainate Receptors: Involved in excitatory neurotransmission, but less understood compared to AMPA and NMDA receptors.

Metabotropic Receptors:

Group I: Typically activate phospholipase C, leading to increased intracellular calcium and activation of protein kinase C.

Group II: Inhibit adenylate cyclase, reducing cAMP levels and decreasing excitability.

Group III: Also inhibit adenylate cyclase and modulate neurotransmitter release.

Review: Neurotransmitters Systems I: Glutamate (Physiology 2)