N ‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors: Structure, function, and role in organophosphorus compound poisoning

AlthoughN-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDARs) are in normal physiological conditions important for controlling synaptic plasticity and mediating learning and memory functions, in this review, we elaborate the detrimental role NMDARs play in neurotoxicity of organophosphorus compounds and focus on the central role NMDAR inhibition plays in suppressing neurotoxicity and modulating the inflammatory response. AbstractAcute organophosphorus compound (OP) poisoning induces symptoms of the cholinergic crises with the occurrence of severe epileptic seizures. Seizures are induced by hyperstimulation of the cholinergic system, but are enhanced by hyperactivation of the glutamatergic system. Overstimulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors by the elevated acetylcholine causes glutamatergic hyperexcitation and an increased influx of Ca2+ into neurons through a type of ionotropic glutamate receptors,N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDAR). These excitotoxic signaling processes generate reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and activation of the neuroinflammatory response, which can lead to recurrent epileptic seizures, neuronal cell death, and long-term neurological damage. In this review, we illustrate the NMDAR structure, complexity of subunit composition, and the various receptor properties that change accordingly. Although NMDARs are in normal physiological conditions important for controlling synaptic plasticity and mediating learning and memory functions, we elaborate...
Source: BioFactors - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research