At least two different types of excitatory amino acid receptors have been identified in the mammalian and amphibian central nervous systems. One type ('NMDA receptors') appears to be important in amino acid-mediated synaptic excitation, NMDA being the most potent and specific exogenous agonist for this type of receptor. Many antagonists have selective blocking actions at these NMDA receptors, and such substances are also selective antagonists of synaptic excitation in the vertebrate spinal cord. It is proposed that these receptors are transmitter receptors activated by an excitatory amino acid. In addition, extrasynaptic receptors, activated by domoate, kainate, quisqualate and L-glutamate, but not by NMDA, and only weakly by L-aspartate, have been identified on dorsal root fibres of the immature rat.