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Updated: May 25, 2026
04:48
A High-throughput Calcium-flux Assay to Study NMDA-receptors with Sensitivity to Glycine/D-serine and Glutamate
Published on: July 10, 2018
Basic pharmacology of NMDA receptors
1Department of Clinical and Theoretical Mental Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. kendermagos@yahoo.com
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|January 28, 2012
Summary
NMDA receptors are crucial for brain function and neuropsychiatric disorders. Selective antagonists offer potential treatments with fewer side effects, though clinical development is ongoing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- NMDA receptors are vital for glutamatergic neurotransmission and central nervous system functions.
- Dysfunction of NMDA receptors is implicated in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, including neurodegeneration, pain, addiction, and developmental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of NMDA receptors in neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- To review the therapeutic potential of NMDA receptor antagonists.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NMDA receptor function and pharmacology.
- Analysis of the therapeutic implications of subunit-selective NMDA receptor antagonists.
Main Results:
- Early broad-spectrum antagonists showed limited clinical utility due to adverse effects.
- Subunit-selective antagonists present improved therapeutic possibilities with better efficacy and safety profiles.
Conclusions:
- NMDA receptors are key targets for treating diverse neuropsychiatric conditions.
- Targeted NMDA receptor modulation offers a promising therapeutic avenue, despite ongoing clinical development challenges.
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