Abstract

NMDA receptors are linked to neuronal loss in stroke and neurodegeneration because their activation can triggerexcitotoxic Ca2+ dysregulation. Accordingly, NMDA receptor antagonists are neuroprotective, providing a rationale fortheir clinical application. However, side effects often outweigh benefits. Herein we highlight structural properties inreceptors that are used in drug development.

Keywords: Glutamate, excitotoxicity, NMDA receptor, therapeutics, neurodegeneration, drug design