NMDA receptor activation: critical role in oxidant tissue injury

The excitatory amino acid glutamate serves important neurologic functions, but overactivation of its N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is toxic to neurons (excitotoxicity). We report that NMDA receptor blocker MK-801 (dizocilpine maleate) attenuated oxidant injury induced by paraquat or by xanthine oxidase. We conclude that excitotoxicity may be a key factor in oxidant tissue injury.