. Actions of the brain’s glutamate system. In the presence of alcohol (ethanol, purple circles), the activity of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-proprionic acid receptors (AMPARs), is inhibited, reducing cation entry into the cell. As a result, the activity of the neuron is reduced and no or fewer nerve signals are generated. For further information, see legend to figure 2A.