Final Answer:
The normal distribution of NMDA receptors involves a balanced and widespread distribution throughout the brain. In Huntington's Disease (HD), there is an alteration in the distribution of NMDA receptors, leading to dysfunction in neurotransmission and contributing to the neurological symptoms associated with the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a healthy brain, NMDA receptors exhibit a Gaussian or normal distribution, ensuring a uniform presence across different regions. This distribution is crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of excitatory neurotransmission. However, in Huntington's Disease, there is a notable shift in this distribution. The mutation associated with HD involves an abnormal repetition of the CAG trinucleotide in the huntingtin gene, leading to the production of a mutated huntingtin protein. This mutated protein disrupts various cellular processes, including the distribution and function of NMDA receptors.
The alteration in NMDA receptor distribution contributes to the pathophysiology of HD. The mutated huntingtin protein interferes with the normal trafficking of receptors within neurons, affecting their localization on the cell membrane. This disruption impairs the synaptic transmission mediated by NMDA receptors, ultimately contributing to the neuronal dysfunction observed in HD.
The skewed distribution of NMDA receptors in Huntington's Disease underscores the complex interplay between genetic mutations and synaptic dysfunction, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring normal receptor distribution and function.