Neurotrophic effects of AMPA

AMPA-type glutamate receptors may transduce both neurotoxic and neurotrophic signals, basically depending on receptor subunit composition and on the extent of receptor activation. While a great deal of data are available on the mechanisms underlying the neurotoxic effects induced by AMPA receptor stimulation, much less is known about the molecular mechanisms responsible for their neurotrophic activities. This review describes the experimental evidences in favor of a neurotrophic effect of AMPA and compares the mechanisms identified and the signaling pathways involved with those relevant for the neurotrophic activities of other neurotrophins.