Cell type-specific pharmacology of NMDA receptors using masked MK 801 1 2

18 N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA-Rs) are ion channels that are important 19 for synaptic plasticity, which is involved in learning and drug addiction. We show 20 enzymatic targeting of an NMDA-R antagonist, MK801, to a molecularly defined 21 neuronal population with the cell-type-selectivity of genetic methods and the 22 temporal control of pharmacology. We find that NMDA-Rs on dopamine neurons 23 are necessary for cocaine-induced synaptic potentiation, demonstrating that cell 24 type-specific pharmacology can be used to dissect signaling pathways within 25 complex brain circuits. 26 27 28 Yang, et al.