Defining the Role of Interneuron N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors in Prefrontal Cortex Inhibition

Sustained pharmacological activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) has long been known for its neurotoxic effects (1). Nevertheless, exposure in  vivo to NMDAR antagonists also shows striking neurotoxicity resulting in cell death in localized regions of the neocortex (the retrosplenial cortex in particular) (2). Because it appeared that neurotoxicity was mediated by an excitotoxic action, the NMDAR antagonist action was attributed to a disi nhibition that could be ameliorated by the cholinergic blockade.

Source: Biological Psychiatry - August 27, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Robert W. Greene Tags: Commentary Source Type: research