Antibodies: The body’s own antidepressants
When autoantibodies are able to enter the bran and act on NMDA receptors, people experience relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. ... Read More...
NMDA
One shot of ketamine could reduce problem drinking
A single shot of ketamine administered to heavy drinkers following reactivation of their drinking memories led to a rapid decrease in the urge to drink. The effect lasted for over nine months.... Read More...
More Than Just Jaundice: Bilirubin May Protect The Brain
Bilirubin, a bile pigment most commonly associated with jaundice in newborns, appears to have neuroprotective properties. A new study in mice reveals bilirubin may protect the brain against oxidative stress.... Read More...
Ketamine isn’t an opioid and treats depression in a unique way
A new study clarifies the mechanism behind how ketamine works as an antidepressant. Researchers say there is evidence to suggest ketamine binds to NMDA receptors, instead of opioid receptors. Reducing the belief that ketamine is an opioid may make patients with depression more open to using the treatment.... Read More...
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. ... Read More...
Microglia, cells thought restricted to central nervous system, are redefined in new study
In response to injury, microglia cross the spinal boundary from the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system. While in the PNS, microglia provide the function of clearing cellular debris at the point of injury, then return to the CNS in an altered state. Researchers propose this could account for some damage associated with neurodegenerative diseases.... Read More...
Targeting ‘Hidden Pocket’ For Treatment of Stroke and Seizure
Study reveals a motif on the 93-series compound fits into a tiny pocket within the NMDA receptor. The findings could lead to new treatment options for stroke and seizures, researchers report. ... Read More...
New Key Mechanism of Epileptic Seizures Revealed
According to a new mathematical model of seizures, only the conductivity of the AMPA receptors in neurons in the temporal lobe significantly change, leading to stronger excitation and synaptic signals.... Read More...
Ketamine’s Antidepressant Effects Tied to Opioid System in the Brain
Researchers report ketamine's antidepressive effects require activation of opioid receptors in the brain. The study highlights the interaction between depression, pain and opioid addiction. ... Read More...
Early Sensory Stimulation is Critical for the Development of Sensory Networks
A new study reports sensory stimulation during the first two weeks of life is critical for establishing brain networks that help map sensation.... Read More...
PSD as a Molecular Platform For Understanding Synapse Formation and Plasticity
A new study reports that both in solution and on supported membrane bilayers, multivalent interaction networks formed by major excitatory postsynaptic density scaffold proteins led to formation of PSD-like assemblies via phase separation.... Read More...
Targeting a Brain Mechanism Could Help Treat Aggression
Researchers have identified some of the key neurobiological mechanisms that help keep aggression under control. The findings could help develop targeted treatments to help those with aggressive problems associated with psychological disorders.... Read More...