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NMDA receptors

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·December 2, 2022·4 min read

How Ketamine Acts as a ‘Switch’ in the Brain

Ketamine alters neural activity in the cerebral cortex, silencing normally active neurons and activating neurons that are normally inactive. The ketamine activity-induced "switch" in brain regions associated with depression may help explain its treatment effects.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 2, 2022·3 min read

A New Look at Brain Function and Psychiatric Disorders

Researchers have revealed the 3D structure of NMDA receptor molecules that are critical for brain health. NMDA receptors are believed to contribute to a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. The new model could help with the development of novel treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 16, 2022·6 min read

Modulating NMDA Receptor Activity Is the Key to Successful Treatment of PTSD

NYX-783, a newly discovered drug, helps modulate NMDA receptor function in neurons. The drug appears to be effective at suppressing the return of PTSD symptoms in rodent models.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 5, 2020·3 min read

NMDA receptors may link psychosis and sleep deficits

NMDA receptor hypofunction is involved in the reduction of sleep spindles and delta oscillations, which appear in the brain during deep natural sleep. Findings confirm the role NMDA receptors play in sleep disorders that accompany psychotic states.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 26, 2020·4 min read

Effects of rapid-acting antidepressant ketamine consolidated in sleep?

Brain connections strengthened with treatment from fast-acting antidepressants, such as ketamine, are consolidated during deep sleep. Researchers propose rapid antidepressant treatments share the ability to regulate both synaptic potentiation and homeostatic mechanisms, which may contribute to how the brain reorganizes its activity to defeat depression.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 10, 2019·3 min read

Brain on Fire: Puzzling brain disease could now be better diagnosed and treated

A rare autoimmune disorder popularized by the autobiography and movie "Brain on Fire" is triggered by an attack on NMDA receptors. The disease occurs when antibodies attack NMDA receptors in the brain, leading to memory loss, intellectual changes, seizures, and death.

Autism Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 26, 2018·3 min read

New Insight Into How Autism Might Develop in the Brain

Researchers have identified a new molecular mechanism that may play a role in the development of autism.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·December 13, 2017·3 min read

Treatable Immune System Disorder Could Be Mistaken For Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder

A major finding from researchers at Houston Methodist reveals a significant number of people diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may actually have a treatable immune system disorder. The condition causes NMDA receptors to stop functioning properly and can result in symptoms commonly associated with neuropsychiatric disorders.