[Development and pharmacology of nootropic and antidepressive preparations based on EAA receptor ligands]

The paper assesses the role of the system of exciting amino acids (EAA) in the interneuronal interactions in CNS. The results of basic investigations of the EAAergic system are summarized and the prospects for development of the related drugs possessing antidepressant activity are considered. Participation of the EAA system in pathogenesis of some neurologic and psychic diseases and in the pathologic alcohol addiction is analyzed. Taking into account that the psychic processes are realized by multitransmitter systems involving various brain structures, the possibility of using EAAergic drugs for controlling the balance between activating and inhibiting systems of brain is discussed. In this respect, special attention is given to EAAergic modulation of the monoaminergic and dopaminergic cerebral transmission systems.