Figure 5.

Diagram depicting the glutamate-mediated G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway. The effector protein phospholipase C (PLC) is stimulated when the neurotransmitter glutamate binds to its receptor and activates a G-protein (Gqα). Two second messengers, inositol triphosphate (IP₃) and diacylglycerol (DAG), are produced by PLC. IP₃ causes the release of Ca²⁺ ions from intracellular storage, whereas DAG activates protein kinase C (PKC). When combined, these mechanisms result in elevated protein phosphorylation and Ca²⁺-binding protein activation, which promote downstream cellular reactions involved in a number of physiological functions (created by Biorendor.com).