Pronunciation: [ˈampə] (IPA) 
The spelling of "AMPA" is fairly simple, but the pronunciation can be a bit tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /ˈæmpə/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The "a" is pronounced as the short "a" sound, and the "m" as the regular "m" sound. The "p" is pronounced as the unaspirated "p", which is similar to the "b" sound but without the release of air. The final "a" is pronounced the same as the first one.
AMPA is an acronym that stands for α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid, a chemical compound and neurotransmitter receptor commonly found in the central nervous system. As a neurotransmitter receptor, AMPA is a type of ionotropic glutamate receptor that is essential for mediating fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain.
In terms of its chemical structure, AMPA is classified as an isoxazole derivative. It features a five-membered ring containing one nitrogen and one oxygen atom, which gives it the isoxazole moiety. Additionally, it possesses an amino group, a hydroxyl group, and a methyl group, making it an α-amino compound. AMPA is specifically characterized by a propionic acid residue attached to the isoxazole ring, which gives it the full name α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid.
Within neuroscience, the term AMPA often refers to the AMPA receptor, a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors that bind and are activated by AMPA. These receptors are critical for the neural processes of synaptic plasticity, memory formation, and learning. AMPA receptors are mainly located in the postsynaptic membrane of neurons and are predominantly permeable to cations, particularly sodium and potassium ions. Activation of AMPA receptors leads to depolarization of the neuron, generating an excitatory signal that contributes to the transmission of electrical impulses across synapses.
Overall, AMPA is a key component of the glutamatergic system, serving as a major player in neuronal communication and cognitive functions in the brain.
