Subunit-dependent modulation of kainate receptors by extracellular protons and polyamines.

Synaptic activity causes significant fluctuations in proton concentrations in the brain. Changes in pH can affect neuronal excitability by acting on ligand-gated channels, including those gated by glutamate. We show here a subunit-dependent regulation of native and recombinant kainate receptors by physiologically relevant proton concentrations.