Analysis of AMPA staining after blocking of NMDA receptors

Previous research showed that blockage of NMDA receptors led to an unexpected increase of electrical stimulation responsiveness in rat cortical cell cultures in-vitro at six hours after APV addition. Due to expected decrease, the experiment was investigated and repeated again using immunostaining. Fluorescent images of neuron processes at zero and six hours after APV addition were analysed to determine if the total amount of AMPA receptors changed and whether the amount of synapses increased. Analysis included colour intensity of processes and puncta. A difference in the mean colour intensity between processes was found, which suggests that more AMPA receptors are present after NMDA blocking.