What effect does chronic alcohol administration have on NMDA receptors?
A) NMDA receptors no longer bind to glutamate.
B) Alcohol decreases the flow of ions through NMDA receptors.
C) Alcohol causes an upregulation of NMDA receptors.
D) Alcohol depletes extracellular levels of cations, leading to reduced excitatory effects from NMDA receptor activation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chronic alcohol administration leads to an upregulation of NMDA receptors as a compensatory mechanism to counteract the inhibitory effects of alcohol on the central nervous system. This upregulation can contribute to increased sensitivity to glutamate and heightened excitatory signaling upon withdrawal, which is part of the basis for withdrawal symptoms.

What Effect Does Chronic Alcohol Administration Have on NMDA Receptors