1. York College of Pennsylvania
AMPA Receptor Study
Cody Clark, RN, BSN, SRNA
York College of Pennsylvania

2. Objectives Describe the cellular makeup of the AMPAR
Describe the most studied subunits of the AMPAR
Describe the cellular functions of the AMPAR
Describe the anesthesia implications found with the receptor

3. What is the AMPA Receptor?
Alpha-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4- isoxazolepropionic receptor (AMPAR)
One of three Glutamate receptors found in the body
Provides majority of excitatory transmissions in the body

4. Cellular Makeup Tetrameric structure made of four subunits
Each subunit an integral protein
Cellular Makeup
N-terminal domain
Subunits
C-Tail
Lu, W., & Roche, K. (2012). Posttranslational regulation of AMPA receptor trafficking and
function. Current Opinion In Neurobiology, 22(3), doi: /j.conb

5. GluA1 Subunit Most abundant subunit found within the AMPAR
Various sites of phosphorylation help to determine biophysical changes of the receptor
Site S831compared to S567
TARPs, Protein 4.1N and various proteins interacting

6. GluA2 Subunit Helps to determine permeability to Calcium
GRIP, ABP, and PICK1 proteins interacting with Site 880
SNARE type of protein named NSF helps to anchor AMPAR at membrane

7. AMPA and NMDA? Activated AMPAR helps cause a depolarization
Helps to release a magnesium blockade in the NMDAR
Influx of Calcium ions
Phosphorylation of AMPAR subunits further

8. AMPA Along the Membrane
Calcium Influx
AMPA Upregulation
Magnesium Blockade

9. Long Term Plasticity and Depression
Signal transmission increased
Extra connections made at synapses increasing signal of strength
Leads to various functions in the body including memory, and acute/chronic pain

10. Anesthesia Implications
Glucose control
Acute and chronic pain a priority
Have to prevent the formation of LTP
Have to stop the upregulation of AMPA receptors within 3-6 hours to prevent consolidation

11. Anesthesia Implications
Diabetics
Increased glucose levels cause an upregulation at GluA2
Compensatory mechanism
Tight glucose control

12. Anesthesia Implications
Surgical pain hypersensitivity focused at Serine-831
Intrathecal pretreatment?

13. Anesthesia Implications
Calcium Channel Blockers?
Nifedipine vs. P/Q and N type calcium channel blockers
Cell Viability?

14. Joshi, D. C. , Singh, M. , Krishnamurthy, K. , Joshi, P. G
Joshi, D. C., Singh, M., Krishnamurthy, K., Joshi, P. G., & Joshi, N. B. (2011). AMPA induced
Ca2+ influx in motor neurons occurs through voltage gated Ca2+ channel and Ca2+ permeable AMPA receptor. Neurochemistry International, 59(6),

15. Anesthesia Implications

16. Take Home Messages
AMPA receptor is an integral protein that is slowly being realized with the importance it holds in the formation of chronic pain pathways and formation of certain memory pathways
AMPA is vital in the activation of the NMDA receptor and further activation of pain and memory impulses
AMPAR is connected with glucose control, surgical incision pain, and formation of LTP
Medications, including Calcium channel blockers are being investigated for the effects they can ultimately have on the AMPAR and its functions

18. Questions?

19. Thank You!!