AMPA receptors are a type of protein found in the brain that play a crucial role in fast synaptic transmission. They are a subtype of glutamate receptors, which respond to the neurotransmitter glutamate. When glutamate binds to AMPA receptors, it allows positively charged ions to flow into the neuron, leading to a rapid change in the cell's electrical state. This process is essential for various brain functions, including learning and memory. These receptors are widely distributed throughout the central nervous system and are involved in synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time. This plasticity is fundamental for processes such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression, which are key mechanisms underlying memory formation and cognitive function.