Tag

Nmda Receptors

All articles tagged with #nmda receptors

health1 month ago•4 min saved

Cancer Drug Targets and Brain 'Brakes' Offer New Hope for Chronic Nerve Pain

Two recent studies identify distinct biological mechanisms for chronic nerve pain, offering potential new treatment avenues. Researchers at MD Anderson found that the cancer-linked protein BRAF travels to the spinal cord after nerve injury, activating NMDA receptors to sustain pain; existing cancer drugs like vemurafenib reduced pain sensitivity in preclinical models. Simultaneously, Washington University researchers identified a 'brake' in the brain's locus coeruleus, where mu opioid receptors normally suppress pain signals. Disrupting this brake increases pain sensitivity, suggesting that targeting this specific brain region could provide relief without the widespread side effects of traditional opioids. Both studies remain preclinical, highlighting the need for human trials to determine safety and efficacy.

via SciTechDaily|

#braf-inhibitors #drug-repurposing #health

health5 months ago•4 min saved

FDA approves first-in-class Auvelity for agitation in Alzheimer’s disease

The FDA has approved Axsome Therapeutics’ Auvelity (dextromethorphan–bupropion) as a first-in-class treatment for agitation in Alzheimer’s disease, targeting NMDA and sigma-1 receptors. Agitation affects up to about 70% of patients and worsens caregiver burden and mortality. In phase 3 trials ACCORD-2 and ADVANCE-2, Auvelity delayed relapse of agitation compared with placebo (ACCORD-2: hazard ratio 0.275, P=0.001; relapse 8.4% vs 28.6%). ADVANCE-2 did not meet its primary CMAI endpoint but showed numerical improvements. Auvelity had FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation and an sNDA was submitted in 2025. Experts say this provides a meaningful new option with a favorable safety profile, potentially easing patient and caregiver burden.

via Psychiatric Times|

#agitation #alzheimer-disease #axsome-therapeutics

science6 months ago•4 min saved

Adult Brain Holds a Hidden Reserve of Silent Synapses for New Memories

MIT researchers found a large reserve of silent synapses in the adult cortex, located on filopodia, making up about 30% of synapses in adult mouse brains. These NMDA-receptor–only connections are normally inactive until activity unlocks AMPA recruitment, turning them into active synapses within minutes. This mechanism lets the brain store new memories without erasing existing ones, suggesting a balance between stability and flexibility in learning and aging. Filopodia act as ready-to-use slots for new information, and the team used eMAP and electrophysiology to demonstrate activation.

via SciTechDaily|

#ampa-receptors #filopodia #memory

science11 months ago•16 min saved

New Insights into NMDA Receptor Regulation and Neurosteroid Binding

This article presents cryo-EM structures revealing the mechanisms of conductance regulation and neurosteroid binding in NMDA receptors, highlighting different conformational states and the effects of neurosteroids like 24S-HC and EU1622-240 on receptor function.

via Nature|

#conductance-control #cryo-em #neurosteroid-binding

health1 year ago•7 min saved

Low-Dose Ketamine: A Rapid Breakthrough in Depression Treatment

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have discovered how low-dose ketamine rapidly alleviates depression by selectively targeting specific NMDA receptors in the brain. This binding enhances excitatory transmission and long-term synaptic changes, providing immediate and sustained relief from depressive symptoms. The findings could lead to the development of safer, orally administered ketamine-like drugs, offering new insights into depression treatment and brain disorders.

via Neuroscience News|

#antidepressants #depression #health

health1 year ago•6 min saved

Ketamine's Rapid Impact on Depression: A Pharmacist's Perspective

University at Buffalo neuroscientists have discovered how low-dose ketamine alleviates major depression symptoms by selectively binding to lateral sites on NMDA receptors, enhancing excitatory transmission and promoting synapse formation. This mechanism explains ketamine's rapid and lasting antidepressant effects, distinguishing it from its anesthetic action at higher doses. The findings could lead to the development of ketamine-like drugs with fewer side effects.

via Medical Xpress|

#antidepressant #depression #health