Differential effects of TM4 tryptophan mutations on inhibition of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors by ethanol and toluene

The voluntary use and abuse of alcohol and inhalants is a recognized health problem throughout the world. Previous studies have shown that these agents affect brain function in a variety of ways including direct inhibition of key ion channels that regulate neuronal excitability. Among these, the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is particularly important given its key role in glutamatergic synaptic transmission, neuronal plasticity and learning and memory. Previous studies from this laboratory and others have identified key residues within transmembrane (TM) domains of the NMDA receptor that appear to regulate its sensitivity to alcohol and anesthetics.

Source: Alcohol - October 2, 2016 Category: Addiction Authors: C. Thetford Smothers, John J. Woodward Source Type: research