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Updated: Jun 9, 2025

A High-throughput Calcium-flux Assay to Study NMDA-receptors with Sensitivity to Glycine/D-serine and Glutamate
Published on: July 10, 2018
NMDA Receptors: Distribution, Role, and Insights into Neuropsychiatric Disorders.
Marie Beaurain1, Anne-Sophie Salabert1, Pierre Payoux1
1ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, INSERM, UPS, Université de Toulouse, 31024 Toulouse, France.
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are crucial for brain function and linked to many disorders. This review details NMDARs, their roles in neurological diseases, and therapeutic antagonists.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ionotropic glutamate receptors vital for CNS functions.
- NMDAR dysfunction is implicated in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of NMDARs, including their molecular structure and activation.
- To explore the role of NMDARs in various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- To discuss NMDAR antagonists for therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on NMDAR structure, function, and disease association.
- Analysis of NMDAR involvement in stroke, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric disorders.
- Exploration of non-competitive NMDAR antagonists (channel-blockers).
Main Results:
- Detailed description of NMDAR molecular structures and activation mechanisms.
- Comprehensive overview of NMDARs' physiological roles in the mammalian brain.
- Exploration of NMDAR antagonists as potential therapeutic agents.
Conclusions:
- Discussion of the strengths and limitations of current NMDAR-targeting molecular structures.
- Consideration of diagnostic and therapeutic applications of NMDAR modulators.
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