TNF-α triggers rapid membrane insertion of Ca2 + permeable AMPA receptors into adult motor neurons and enhances their susceptibility to slow excitotoxic injury

► First direct demonstration of functional Ca2 + permeable AMPA receptors in adult MNs. ► TNF-α rapidly increases numbers of these receptors in the plasma membrane. ► This TNF-α effect occurs via a PI3K and PKA dependent mechanism. ► TNF-α also increases MN Ca2 + permeable AMPA receptors in slice cultures. ► Low level TNF-α exposure enhances slow excitotoxic MN injury in slice cultures.