Phencyclidine and some of its analogues have distinct effects on NMDA receptors of rat hippocampal neurons.
FEBS letters August 1, 1988 A S Ramoa, E X Albuquerque
Phencyclidine (PCP) and its analogues block the open state of the NMDA receptor channel in hippocampal neurons, reducing the frequency and duration of ion channel openings. This blockade is voltage-dependent, reversed at positive membrane potentials. A behaviorally inactive analogue left NMDA-activated currents relatively unaltered, while m-nitro-PCP at low concentrations unexpectedly increased opening frequency, suggesting that modifications to the PCP molecule can enhance rather than decrease excitability.