NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors are a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptor with an important role in the physiology and pathophysiology of central neurons. Inappropriate levels of Ca2+ influx through the NMDA receptor can contribute to neuronal loss in acute trauma such as ischaemia and traumatic brain injury, as well as certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease. However, normal physiological patterns of NMDA receptor activity can promote neuroprotection against both apoptotic and excitotoxic insults. As a result, NMDA receptor blockade can promote neuronal death outright or render neurons vulnerable to secondary trauma. Thus responses to NMDA receptor activity follow a classical hormetic dose–response curve: both too much and too little can be harmful. There is a growing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying both the neuroprotective and neurodestructive effects of NMDA receptor activity, as well as the factors that determine whether an episode of NMDA receptor activity is harmful or beneficial. It is becoming apparent that oxidative stress plays a role in promoting neuronal death in response to both hyper- and hypo-activity of the NMDA receptor. Increased understanding in this field is leading to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and strategies for excitotoxic disorders, as well as a growing appreciation of the harmful consequences of NMDA receptor blockade.
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November 19 2009
Coupling of the NMDA receptor to neuroprotective and neurodestructive events Available to Purchase
Giles E. Hardingham
Giles E. Hardingham
1
1Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, U.K.
1email [email protected]
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
August 07 2009
Online ISSN: 1470-8752
Print ISSN: 0300-5127
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Biochemical Society
2009
Biochem Soc Trans (2009) 37 (6): 1147–1160.
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Received:
August 07 2009
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Giles E. Hardingham; Coupling of the NMDA receptor to neuroprotective and neurodestructive events. Biochem Soc Trans 1 December 2009; 37 (6): 1147–1160. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST0371147
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