Hanyang Med Rev.  2008 Nov;28(4):17-27.

NMDA receptor channel

• Lee IO

Abstract

Glutamate receptor channels have been classified into three major subtypes, the alpha-amino-3 - hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA), kainite and N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor channels. The NMDA receptor channel differs in fundamental ways from the non-NMDA receptor channels, and these properties relate directly to its physiological roles. NMDA ion channels play important roles in various physiological or pathologic functions in neuroprotection, neurodegeneration, long-term potentiation, memory, cognition, neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders, and neuropathic pain syndromes. The NMDA receptor channel is gated in a unique manner both by ligands and by voltage. The voltage dependence is caused by Mg2+ block within the ion channel. The NMDA receptor is highly permeable to Ca2+ unlike most other ions. In addition, it can be modulated at a number of sites other than glutamate recognition site. Among these sites, an allosteric site through glycine modulates the NMDA response. The molecular cloning and diversity of the NMDA receptor channel have been identified. The mechanisms that control the opening and closing, or gating, of the channel of NMDA receptors are among the most basic determinants of receptor function, and yet are not well understood. This review summarizes from a molecular perspective the recent advances in our understanding of the pharmacological properties of NMDA receptor channels.

Keyword

N-Methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA); Glutamate; Channel gating

MeSH Terms

Allosteric Site
Cloning, Molecular
Cognition
Diethylpropion
Glutamic Acid
Glycine
Ion Channels
Ions
Ligands
Long-Term Potentiation
Memory
N-Methylaspartate
Nervous System Diseases
Neuralgia
Polymethacrylic Acids
Propionates
Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
Diethylpropion
Glutamic Acid
Glycine
Ion Channels
Ions
Ligands
N-Methylaspartate
Polymethacrylic Acids
Propionates
Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate