Compartmentalized NMDA receptor signalling to survival and death

• DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.138875
• Publication Date: 2007-08-10T00:35:02Z
• Authors: Francesc X. Soriano; Giles E. Hardingham
• Keywords: Signalling

The ability of Ca(2+) influx through the N-methyl d-aspartate subclass glutamate receptor (NMDA receptor) to both kill neurons and promote survival under different circumstances is well established. Here we discuss signal pathways that mediate this dichotomous signalling, factors influence whether an NMDA receptor-dependent results in a net pro-survival or pro-death effect. magnitude activation, be it intensity duration, course very important determining nature response episode activity, with excitotoxic death requiring higher levels than pathways. However, not merely conduit for influx: consequences activity can influenced by signalling molecules physically associate indeed location (synaptic versus extrasynaptic) receptor. Furthermore, possibility effectors are subcellular locations, thus depend on spatial characteristics transient. A greater understanding these issues may point ways selectively blocking neurological disorders such as stroke, where global antagonists have proved ineffective.