Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate.

[1] They mediate the majority of excitatory synaptic transmission throughout the central nervous system and are key players in synaptic plasticity, which is important for learning and memory.

[2] AMPA receptors are the main charge carriers during basal transmission, permitting influx of sodium ions to depolarise the postsynaptic membrane.

This enables them to act as coincidence detectors for synaptic plasticity.

Calcium influx through NMDA receptors leads to persistent modifications in the strength of synaptic transmission.