Until recently, the close similarities between AMPA- and kainate-type glutamate receptors had prevented a systematic understanding of the distinct roles these receptors play in various physiological processes. However, the 5 development of selective antagonists allow the separation of AMPA- and KA-receptor mediated responses (reviewed in (Pinheiro and Mulle, 2006)). For example, we now know that KA-Rs contribute to a significant postsynaptic response in the BLA (Li and Rogawski, 1998) and also mediate a form of long-lasting heterosynaptic plasticity in this brain region (Li et al., 2001). Recent evidence also suggests that the acute sensitivity of KA-Rs to ethanol may play a prominent role in regulating plastic changes in BLA synaptic transmission (Lack et al., 2008). Furthermore, our data with the GluR5-selective antagonist UBP296 supports suggestions that GluR5-containing KARs in the BLA are a potential therapeutic target for anxiety related behaviors (Aroniadou-Anderjaska et al., 2007) and provides strong rationale for determining the effects of CIE and WD on KA-Rs in the BLA.
