New developments on the role of NMDA receptors in Alzheimer's disease

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2012 Jun;22(3):559-63. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2011.09.001. Epub 2011 Sep 29.

Abstract

Since the initial findings that NMDA receptors play important roles in cellular models of learning as well as neurotoxicity, abnormal function of this receptor has been considered a potential mechanism in the pathophysiology underlying Alzheimer's disease. Treatment of Alzheimer's disease with an NMDA receptor antagonist began several years ago, with some limited success. More recent mechanistic studies have examined the role of NMDA receptors in the synaptic effects of beta amyloid (Aβ).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate