Activation of receptors negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase is required for induction of long‐term synaptic depression at Schaffer collateral‐CA1 synapses

Chemical LTD (CLTD) of synaptic transmission is triggered by simultaneously increasing presynaptic [cGMP] while inhibiting PKA. Here, we supply evidence that class II, but not III, metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), and A1 adenosine receptors, both negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase, play physiologic roles in providing PKA inhibition necessary to promote the induction of LTD at Schaffer collateral‐CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices. Simultaneous activation of group II mGluRs with the selective agonist (2S,2′R,3′R)‐2‐(2′,3′‐dicarboxy‐cyclopropyl) glycine (DCGIV; 5 μM), while raising [cGMP] with the type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor, zaprinast (20 μM), resulted in a long‐lasting depression of synaptic strength. When zaprinast (20 μM) was combined with a cell‐permeant PKA inhibitor H‐89 (10 μM), the need for mGluR IIs was bypassed. DCGIV, when combined with a “submaximal” low frequency stimulation (1 Hz/400 s), produced a saturating LTD. The mGluR II selective antagonist, (2S)‐alpha‐ethylglutamic acid (EGLU; 5 μM), blocked induction of LTD by prolonged low frequency stimulation (1 Hz/900 s). In contrast, the mGluR III selective receptor blocker, (RS)‐a‐Cyclopropyl‐[3‐³H]‐4‐phosphonophenylglycine (CPPG; 10 μM), did not impair LTD. The selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX; 100 nM), also blocked induction of LTD, while the adenosine A1 receptor agonist N⁶‐cyclohexyl adenosine (CHA; 50 nM) significantly enhanced the magnitude of LTD induced by submaximal LFS and, when paired with zaprinast (20 μM), was sufficient to elicit CLTD. Inhibition of PKA with H‐89 rescued the expression of LTD in the presence of either EGLU or DPCPX, confirming the hypothesis that both group II mGluRs and A1 adenosine receptors enhance the induction of LTD by inhibiting adenylate cyclase and reducing PKA activity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006     

Atrial natriuretic factor receptors are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase in cultured atrial and ventricular cardiocytes

We have studied the effect of synthetic rat atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on adenylate cyclase activity in cultured cardiocytes from atria (left and right) and ventricles from neonatal rats. ANF (Arg 101-Tyr 126) inhibited adenylate cyclase activity in a concentration dependent manner in cultured atrial (right and left atria) and ventricular cells. However the inhibition was greater in atrial cells as compared to ventricular cells. The maximal inhibition observed in ventricular cells was about 35% with an apparent Ki of about 10(-10) M, whereas about 55% inhibition with an apparent Ki between 5 X 10(-10) M and 65% inhibition with an apparent Ki of 10(-9) M were observed in right and left atrial cardiocytes respectively. The inhibitory effect of ANF was dependent on the presence of guanine nucleotides. Various hormones and agents such as isoproterenol, prostaglandins, adenosine, forskolin and sodium fluoride stimulated adenylate cyclase activities to various degrees in these atrial and ventricular cardiocytes. ANF inhibited the stimulatory responses of all these agonists, however the degree of inhibition varied for each agent. In addition ANF also inhibited cAMP levels in these cells. These data indicate that ANF receptors are present in cardiocytes and are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase.     

A focal adhesion-like process underlies induction of long-term potentiation in the Schaffer collateral-CA1 region of the hippocampus

In the series of experiments reported here we provide evidence that a focal adhesion-like process underlies the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the Schaffer Collateral-CA1 projection in the hippocampus. Here we show that an integrin binding peptide (RGD) impairs induction of Schaffer Collateral-CA1 LTP in hippocampal slice preparations in vitro. The heparin-binding peptide that binds heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) and blocks the formation of focal adhesions also impairs induction of LTP. Either the integrin-binding peptide or heparin-binding peptide reduces LTP partially. However, when the two peptides were administered simultaneously, there was no LTP 1 hour after induction. This indicates that these two molecules might function together and that a focal adhesion-like process might be involved in the induction of LTP. Additionally,we report that the RGD effect on LTP is time dependent and occurs only in the first few minutes following LTP induction, that the binding of the RGD peptide in CA1 stratum radiatum increases after LTP induction and that this increased binding depends on Ca(2+). Using electron microscopy we show that integrins are present in synapses.     

The dopamine receptor in the intermediate lobe of the rat pituitary gland is negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase

The potency of a series of drugs to inhibit cyclic AMP accumulation in cells of the intermediate lobe of the rat pituitary gland in culture is typically dopaminergic. Dopaminergic antagonists reverse the inhibition of cyclic AMP levels according to their known pharmacological activity. The present data show that activation of the dopamine receptor in pars intermedia cells leads to inhibition of basal cyclic AMP accumulation and thus suggest that this receptor is negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase.     

Multiple receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase regulate Na-H exchange independent of cAMP

We have previously determined that beta-adrenergic and somatostatin receptors stimulate and inhibit, respectively, Na-H exchange independent of changes in cAMP accumulation (Barber, D.L., McGuire, M.E., and Ganz, M.B. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 21038-21042). The present study extends our work on the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR) by investigating receptor activation of Na-H exchange in multiple cell types that either endogenously express the beta AR or that have been transfected with cDNA of the hamster lung beta 2AR or the turkey erythrocyte beta AR. Exchanger activity was determined by monitoring intracellular pH in cell populations loaded with the pH-sensitive dye BCECF (2,7-biscarboxyethyl-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein). In addition to the action of the beta AR, activation of prostaglandin E1 and parathyroid hormone receptors induced an intracellular alkalinization by stimulating a Na(+)-dependent amiloride-sensitive Na-H exchange. In contrast, activation of D2-dopaminergic receptors induced an intracellular acidification by inhibiting Na-H exchange. beta-Adrenergic, prostaglandin E1, and parathyroid hormone receptors activated Na-H exchange independent of changes in intracellular cAMP accumulation and independent of a cholera toxin-sensitive stimulatory GTP regulatory protein. D2-dopaminergic receptors inhibited exchanger activity independent of a pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibitory GTP regulatory protein. We suggest that these receptors are functionally coupled to adenylate cyclase and Na-H exchange through divergent signaling mechanisms.     

Y1 receptors for neuropeptide Y are coupled to mobilization of intracellular calcium and inhibition of adenylate cyclase

Two types of binding sites have previously been described for neuropeptide Y (NPY), called Y1 and Y2 receptors. The intracellular events following Y1 receptor activation was studied in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC. Both NPY and the specific Y1 receptor ligand, [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY, caused a rapid and transient increase in the concentration of free calcium in the cytoplasm as measured by the fluorescent probe, Fura-2. The effect of both peptides was independent of extracellular calcium as addition of EGTA or manganese neither changed the size nor the shape of the calcium response. The calcium response to NPY was abolished by pretreatment with thapsigargin, which can selectively deplete a calcium store in the endoplasmic reticulum. Y1 receptor stimulation, by both NPY and [Leu31,Pro34]NPY, also inhibited the forskolin-stimulated cAMP production with an EC50 of 3.5 nM. There was a close relation between the receptor binding and the cellular effects as half-maximal displacement of [125I-Tyr36]monoiodoNPY from the receptor was obtained with 2.1 nM NPY. The Y2-specific ligand NPY(16-36)peptide had no effect on either intracellular calcium or cAMP levels in the SK-N-MC cells. It is concluded that Y1 receptor stimulation is associated with both mobilization of intracellular calcium and inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity.     

In vitro characterization of skeletal muscle β-adrenergic receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase

[³H]Dihydroalprenolol, a potent ß-adrenergic antagonist, was used to identify the adenylate cyclase-coupled ß-adrenoceptors in isolated membranes of rat skeletal muscle. The receptor sites, as revealed [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding, were predominantly localized in plasmalemmal fraction. That skeletal muscle fraction may also contain the plasmalemma of other intramuscular cells, especially that of blood vessels. Hence, the [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding observed in that fraction may be due partly to its binding to the plasmalemma of blood vessels. Small but consistent binding was also observed in sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The level of [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding in different subcellular fractions closely correlated with the level of adenylate cyclase present in those fractions.The binding of [³H]dihydroalprenolol to plasmalemma exhibited saturation kinetics. The binding was rapid, reaching equilibrium within 5 min, and it was readily dissociable. From the kinetics of binding, association (K₁) and dissociation (K₂) rate constants of 2.21 · M^? · min^?1 and 3.21 · 10^?1, respectively, were obtained. The dissociation constant (K_d) of 15 nM for [³H]dihydroalprenolol obtained from saturation binding data closely agreed with the (K_d) derived from the ratio of dissociation and association rate constants (K₂/K₁).Several β-adrenergic agents known to be active on intact skeletal muscle also competed for [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites in isolated plasmalemma with essentially similar selectivity and stereospecificity. Catecholamines competed for [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites with a potency of isoproterenol > epinephrine > norepinephrine. A similar order of potency was noted for catecholamines in the activation of adenylate cyclase. Effects of catecholamines were stereospecific, (?)-isomers being more than potent than (+)-isomers. Phenylephrine, an α-adrenergic agonist, showed no effect either on [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding or on adenylate cyclase. Known ß-adrenergic antagonists, propranolol and alprenolol, stereospecifically inhibited the [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding and the isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase. The (K_i) values for the antagonists determined from inhibition of [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding agreed closely with the (K_i) values obtained from the inhibition of adenylate cyclase. The data suggest that the binding of [³H]dihydroalprenolol in skeletal muscle membranes possess the characteristics of a substance binding to the ß-adrenergic receptor.     

In vitro characterization of skeletal muscle beta-adrenergic receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase.

[3H]Dihydroalprenolol, a potent beta-adrenergic antagonist, was used to identify the adenylate cyclase-coupled beta-adrenoceptors in isolated membranes of rat skeletal muscle. The receptor sites, as revealed by [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding, were predominantly localized in plasmalemmal fraction. That skeletal muscle fraction may also contain the plasmalemma of other intramuscular cells, especially that of blood vessels. Hence, the [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding observed in that fraction may be due partly to its binding to the plasmalemma of blood vessels. Small but consistent binding was also observed in sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The level of [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding in different subcellular fractions closely correlated with the level of adenylate cyclase present in those fractions. The binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol to plasmalemma exhibited saturation kinetics. The binding was rapid, reaching equilibrium within 5 min, and it was readily dissociable. From the kinetics of binding, association (K1) and dissociation (K2) rate constants of 2.21 . 10(7) M-1 . min-1 and 3.21 . 10(-1) min-1, respectively, were obtained. The dissociation constant (Kd) of 15 mM for [3H]dihydroalprenolol obtained from saturation binding data closely agreed with the Kd derived from the ratio of dissociation and association rate constants (K2/K1). Several beta-adrenergic agents known to be active on intact skeletal muscle also competed for [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites in isolated plasmalemma with essentially similar selectivity and stereospecificity. Catecholamines competed for [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites with a potency of isoproterenol greater than epinephrine greater than norepinephrine. A similar order of potency was noted for catecholamines in the activation of adenylate cyclase. Effects of catecholamines were stereospecific, (-)-isomers being more potent than (+)-isomers. Phenylephrine, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, showed no effect either on [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding or on adenylate cyclase. Known beta-adrenergic antagonists, propranolol and alprenolol, stereospecifically inhibited the [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding and the isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase. The Ki values for the antagonists determined from inhibition of [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding agreed closely with the Ki values obtained from the inhibition of adenylate cyclase. The data suggest that the binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol in skeletal muscle membranes possess the characteristics of a substance binding to the beta-adrenergic receptor.     

Evidence for the presence of cholinergic muscarinic receptors negatively linked to adenylate cyclase in the iris-ciliary body

Adenylate cyclase activity can be stimulated in the rabbit iris-ciliary body directly by forskolin or through receptor-mediated mechanisms by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the β-adrenoreceptor agonists isoproterenol and salbutamol. Increases in the level of c-AMP observed following application of forskolin, isoproterenol and VIP are decreased by carbachol in a dose-dependent manner. The carbachol response is blocked by pertussis toxin and is insensitive to the phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophyline suggesting the involvement of a Gi-protein. Carbachol attenuation of elevated c-AMP levels can be inhibited by the muscarinic antagonist atropine but not by the specific muscarinic receptor antagonist pirenzepine. This is in contrast to carbachol stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation, where both atropine and pirenzepine inhibit the muscarinic response. Thus there exist two distinct muscarinic receptors in the iris-ciliary body, one linked to adenylate cyclase and the other to the hydrolysis of phosphoinositides.     

Presence of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase in rat lung membranes

(1) The binding of 125I-labelled vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) to a particulate fraction from rat lung was rapid, temperature dependent, saturable and specific. This process was also reversible and 125I-labelled VIP dissociation was accelerated by guanine triphosphate nucleotides. The curves describing the inhibition of tracer binding by peptides of the VIP-secretin family suggested the presence of at least two classes of VIP receptor: a "high-affinity' type with decreasing affinity for VIP in the order: VIP = [Val5]secretin greater than [Ala4, Val5]secretin; and a "low-affinity type' with decreasing affinity for VIP in the order: VIP greater than [Val5]secretin greater than [Ala4, Val5]secretin = secretin greater than [Ala4]secretin. (2) VIP and related peptides stimulated the adenylate cyclase activity of the same lung membrane preparation more efficiently than beta-adrenergic agonists and prostaglandins E1 and E2. The dose-effect curves of stimulation of adenylate cyclase by VIP and parent peptides were also compatible with the existence of two classes of VIP receptor, the relative peptide potencies being identical with their ability to compete with 125I-labelled VIP for binding.     

Evidence that human platelet alpha-adrenergic receptors coupled to inhibition of adenylate cyclase are not associated with the subunit of adenylate cyclase ADP-ribosylated by cholera toxin

Exposure of the alpha-adrenergic receptor of the human platelet to agonist prior to solubilization stabilizes a receptor complex of the alpha-adrenergic receptor with the GTP-binding protein(s) which modulates receptor affinity for agonists (Smith, S. K., and Limbird, L. E. (1981) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 78, 4026-4030). The soluble alpha-adrenergic receptor is characterized by retention of sensitivity to GTP and a faster rate of sedimentation in sucrose gradients than antagonist-occupied or unoccupied receptors. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether the alpha-adrenergic receptor, which is coupled to inhibition of adenylate cyclase, contains the same GTP-binding protein that is involved in activation of adenylate cyclase. The GTP-binding protein that is coupled to activation of adenylate cyclase was labeled with [32P]ADP-ribose using cholera toxin. Incorporation of [32]ADP-ribose into a Mr = 42,000 peptide in human platelet membranes was paralleled by an enhancement of GTP-sensitive catalytic activity in the membranes. However, cholera toxin treatment did not modify alpha-receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase or interaction of the alpha-receptor with agonist agents. Moreover, sucrose gradient centrifugation revealed that the [32P]ADP-ribosylated Mr = 42,000 subunit of the stimulatory GTP-binding protein did not appear to associate with the agonist-alpha-receptor complex. These data suggest that the GTP-binding protein that mediates GTP activation of adenylate cyclase in the human platelet membrane is distinct from the GTP-binding protein that modulates alpha-adrenergic receptor affinity for agonist agents and which associates with the receptor in the presence of agonists.     

Metabotropic glutamate receptors are required for the induction of long-term potentiation.

Recent observations have led to the suggestion that the metabotropic glutamate receptor may play a role in the induction or maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP). However, experimental evidence supporting a role for this receptor in the induction of LTP is still inconclusive and controversial. Here we report that, in rat dorsolateral septal nucleus (DLSN) neurons, which have the highest density of metabotropic receptors and show functional responses, the induction of LTP is not blocked by the NMDA receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate, but is blocked by two putative metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists, L-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid and L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate. Furthermore, superfusion of (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, a selective metabotropic glutamate agonist, resulted in a long-lasting potentiation of synaptic transmission similar to that induced by tetanic stimuli. Our results demonstrated that activation of postsynaptic metabotropic receptors is both necessary and sufficient for the induction of LTP in the DLSN, and we suggest that such a mechanism may be important at other CNS synapses.     

Identification of a 5-HT1A receptor positively coupled to planarian adenylate cyclase

The adenylate cyclase system present in particulate fractions prepared from two planarian species was tested for sensitivity to various neurotransmitters. While dopamine and other catecholamines were ineffective, serotonin was capable of stimulating the enzyme. Among the various serotonin agonists tested, only 8-OH-DPAT resulted effective on the adenylate cyclase activity, thus suggesting the presence in planarians of a serotonin receptor of the type 5-HT_1A.     

Phosphorylation of AMPA receptors is required for sensory deprivation-induced homeostatic synaptic plasticity

Sensory experience, and the lack thereof, can alter the function of excitatory synapses in the primary sensory cortices. Recent evidence suggests that changes in sensory experience can regulate the synaptic level of Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying such a process have not been determined. We found that binocular visual deprivation, which is a well-established in vivo model to produce multiplicative synaptic scaling in visual cortex of juvenile rodents, is accompanied by an increase in the phosphorylation of AMPAR GluR1 (or GluA1) subunit at the serine 845 (S845) site and the appearance of CP-AMPARs at synapses. To address the role of GluR1-S845 in visual deprivation-induced homeostatic synaptic plasticity, we used mice lacking key phosphorylation sites on the GluR1 subunit. We found that mice specifically lacking the GluR1-S845 site (GluR1-S845A mutants), which is a substrate of cAMP-dependent kinase (PKA), show abnormal basal excitatory synaptic transmission and lack visual deprivation-induced homeostatic synaptic plasticity. We also found evidence that increasing GluR1-S845 phosphorylation alone is not sufficient to produce normal multiplicative synaptic scaling. Our study provides concrete evidence that a GluR1 dependent mechanism, especially S845 phosphorylation, is a necessary pre-requisite step for in vivo homeostatic synaptic plasticity.     

Zebrafish TARP Cacng2 is required for the expression and normal development of AMPA receptors at excitatory synapses

Fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the CNS is mediated by the neurotransmitter glutamate, binding to and activating AMPA receptors (AMPARs). AMPARs are known to interact with auxiliary proteins that modulate their behavior. One such family of proteins is the transmembrane AMPA receptor‐related proteins, known as TARPs. Little is known about the role of TARPs during development, or about their function in non‐mammalian organisms. Here we report the presence of TARPs, specifically the prototypical TARP, stargazin, in developing zebrafish. We find that zebrafish express two forms of stargazin, Cacng2a and Cacng2b from as early as 12‐h post fertilization (hpf). Knockdown of Cacng2a and Cacng2b via splice‐blocking morpholinos resulted in embryos that exhibited deficits in C‐start escape responses, showing reduced C‐bend angles, smaller tail velocities and aberrant C‐bend turning directions. Injection of the morphants with Cacng2a or 2b mRNA rescued the morphological phenotype and the synaptic deficits. To investigate the effect of reduced Cacng2a and 2b levels on synaptic physiology, we performed whole cell patch clamp recordings of AMPA mEPSCs from zebrafish Mauthner cells. Knockdown of Cacng2a results in reduced AMPA currents and lower mEPSC frequencies, whereas knockdown of Cacng2b displayed no significant change in mEPSC amplitude or frequency. Non‐stationary fluctuation analysis confirmed a reduction in the number of active synaptic receptors in the Cacng2a but not in the Cacng2b morphants. Together, these results suggest that Cacng2a is required for normal trafficking and function of synaptic AMPARs, while Cacng2b is largely non‐functional with respect to the development of AMPA synaptic transmission. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 487–506, 2016     

Catecholamine-induced desensitization of adenylate cyclase coupled beta-adrenergic receptors in turkey erythrocytes: evidence for a two-step mechanism

Preincubation of turkey erythrocytes with isoproterenol is associated with (1) 50-60% attenuation of agonist-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, (2) altered mobility of the beta-adrenergic receptor on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, and (3) increased phosphorylation of the beta-adrenergic receptor. Using a low-cross-linked polyacrylamide gel, the beta-adrenergic receptor protein from isoproterenol-desensitized cells, labeled with 32P or with the photoaffinity label 125I-(p-azidobenzyl)carazolol, can be resolved into a doublet (Mr congruent to 37,000 and Mr congruent to 41,000) as compared to a single Mr congruent to 37,000 beta-adrenergic receptor protein from control erythrocytes. The appearance of the doublet was dependent on the concentration of agonist used to desensitize the cells. Incubation of erythrocytes with dibutyryl-cAMP did not promote formation of the doublet but decreased agonist-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity 40-50%. Limited-digestion peptide maps of 32P-labeled beta-adrenergic receptors using papain revealed a unique phosphopeptide in the larger molecular weight band (Mr congruent to 41,000) of the doublet from the agonist-desensitized preparation that was absent in the peptide maps of the smaller band (Mr congruent to 37,000), as well as control or dibutyryl-cAMP-desensitized receptor. These data provide evidence that maximal agonist-induced desensitization of adenylate cyclase coupled beta-adrenergic receptors in turkey erythrocytes occurs by a two-step mechanism.     

Evidence for the presynaptic location of adenylate cyclase and the cyclic AMP-stimulated protein kinase which is bound to synaptic membranes

By comparison of activities measured with either intact or ruptured synaptosomes it was found that about half of the cerebral adenylate cyclase is presynaptic while all the membrane bound, cyclic AMP-stimulated protein kinase activity appears to be presynaptic with the cyclic AMP receptor facing inward.     

Involvement of synaptic NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in long-term depression induction in the young rat visual cortex in vitro

Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) has been implicated in various forms of synaptic plasticity depending on the receptor subtypes involved. However, the contribution of NR2A and NR2B subunits in the induction of long-term depression (LTD) of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in layer II/III pyramidal neurons of the young rat visual cortex remains unclear. The present study used whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in vitro to investigate the role of NR2A- and NR2B-containing NMDARs in the induction of LTD in visual cortical slices from 12- to 15-day old rats. We found that LTD was readily induced in layer II/III pyramidal neurons of the rat visual cortex with 10-min 1-Hz stimulation paired with postsynaptic depolarization. D-APV, a selective NMDAR antagonist, blocked the induction of LTD. Moreover, the selective NR2B-containing NMDAR antagonists (Ro 25-6981 and ifenprodil) also prevented the induction of LTD. However, Zn2+, a voltage-independent NR2A-containing NMDAR antagonist, displayed no influence on the induction of LTD. These results suggest that the induction of LTD in layer II/III pyramidal neurons of the young rat visual cortex is NMDAR-dependent and requires NR2B-containing NMDARs, not NR2A-containing NMDARs.