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Open Access 01-07-2016 | Review Article

Dysfunction of NMDA receptors in Alzheimer’s disease

Authors: Yan Zhang, Peiyao Li, Jianbo Feng, Minghua Wu

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 7/2016

Abstract

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a pivotal role in the synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity thought to underlie learning and memory. NMDARs activation has been recently implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) related to synaptic dysfunction. Synaptic NMDARs are neuroprotective, whereas overactivation of NMDARs located outside of the synapse cause loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell death. NMDARs dysfunction in the glutamatergic tripartite synapse, comprising presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons and glial cells, is directly involved in AD. This review discusses that both beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau perturb synaptic functioning of the tripartite synapse, including alterations in glutamate release, astrocytic uptake, and receptor signaling. Particular emphasis is given to the role of NMDARs as a possible convergence point for Aβ and tau toxicity and possible reversible stages of the AD through preventive and/or disease-modifying therapeutic strategies.

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Title: Dysfunction of NMDA receptors in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yan Zhang
Peiyao Li
Jianbo Feng
Minghua Wu
Publication date: 01-07-2016
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 7/2016
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-016-2546-5

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Springer Medicine

Dysfunction of NMDA receptors in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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