Hanyang Med Rev.  2008 Nov;28(4):28-31.

Anethesia and Glutamate Receptors

• Do SH

Abstract

Glutamate receptors represent major excitatory neurotransmission. Besides anesthesia, pain, memory and learning and neurotoxicity (excitotoxicity)are closely associated with the glutamate receptor, especially the NMDA receptor. Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has been highlighted not only as an intravenous anesthetic, but also as a versatile analgesic adjunct. Pharmacologic knowledge on glutamate neurotransmission should help us in improving management of patients in terms of analgesia, amnesia and neuroprotection.

Keyword

analgesia; glutamate; ketamine; neuroprotection; NMDA receptor

MeSH Terms

Amnesia
Analgesia
Anesthesia
Glutamic Acid
Humans
Ketamine
Learning
Memory
N-Methylaspartate
Receptors, Glutamate
Synaptic Transmission
Glutamic Acid
Ketamine
N-Methylaspartate
Receptors, Glutamate