Trapping block kinetic scheme for the NMDA receptor. Activation and deactivation reactions are equivalent for the Mg-free (top half) and Mg-bound channel (bottom half). For STB, k′x = kx. The symbols C, O, and D represent the closed, open, and desensitized channels, respectively, bound to molecules of agonist (subscript A) or blocker (subscript B). The asterisk indicates the conducting open state.