Aktualne poglady na budowe, funkcjonowanie i znaczenie receptorow glutaminianergicznych typu NMDA

The paper reviews the terminology, molecular activity and role of the NMDA glutamate receptors. As excitatory aminoacid receptors these receptors are generally classified as ionotropic (NMDA, AMPA, KA) and metabotropic depending (mGluR₁₋₈) on whether they form ion channels or are coupled to G-proteins, respectively. Recent investigations indicated the essential role of the NMDA receptors in the nociceptive processus modulation. Recent progress has been made in the development of specific antagonists - such as MK-801, araxines, mementine, DL-AP-3, and others - for these receptors, and can siginicantly facilitate prophilaxy and therapy in different types of pain.