scholarly journals Roles of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors (NMDARs) in Epilepsy

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuang Chen ◽  
Da Xu ◽  
Liu Fan ◽  
Zhi Fang ◽  
Xiufeng Wang ◽  
...  

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. The mechanism of epilepsy remains unclear and previous studies suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play an important role in abnormal discharges, nerve conduction, neuron injury and inflammation, thereby they may participate in epileptogenesis. NMDARs belong to a family of ionotropic glutamate receptors that play essential roles in excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in the mammalian CNS. Despite numerous studies focusing on the role of NMDAR in epilepsy, the relationship appeared to be elusive. In this article, we reviewed the regulation of NMDAR and possible mechanisms of NMDAR in epilepsy and in respect of onset, development, and treatment, trying to provide more evidence for future studies.

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siddhartha Mondragón-Rodríguez ◽  
George Perry ◽  
Xiongwei Zhu ◽  
Paula I. Moreira ◽  
Sylvain Williams

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) has been implicated in neurological disorders; therefore, it is not surprising that there has been an increased focus towards developing therapies directed to this kinase. Unfortunately, these current therapies have not taken into consideration the physiological role of GSK3 in crucial events like synaptic plasticity. With this in mind we will discuss the relationship of synaptic plasticity with GSK3 and tau protein and their role as potential targets for the development of therapeutic strategies. Finally, we will provide perspectives in developing a cocktail therapy for Alzheimer's treatment.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Bernhard ◽  
Bodo Laube

AbstractTetrameric ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) mediate excitatory neurotransmission in the mammalian central nervous system and are involved in learning, memory formation, and pathological processes. Based on structural and sequence similarities of the ligand-binding and channel domains of iGluR subunits to bacterial binding proteins and potassium channels, iGluRs are thought to have originally arisen from their fusion. Here we report the functional coupling of the bacterial ectoine binding protein EhuB to the channel pore-forming transmembrane domains of the bacterial GluR0 receptor by stabilization of dimeric binding domains. Insertion of a disulfide bridge in the dimer interface abolished desensitization of the channel current analogous to mammalian iGluRs. These results demonstrate the functional compatibility of bacterial binding proteins to the gate of the channel pore of an iGluR. Moreover, our results highlight the modular structure and crucial role of binding domain dimerization in the functional evolution of iGluRs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirotaka Imada ◽  
Nobuhiro Mifune

Disease-causing parasites and pathogens play a pivotal role in intergroup behavior. Previous studies have suggested that the selection pressure posed by pathogen threat has resulted in in-group assortative sociality, including xenophobia and in-group favoritism. While the current literature has collated numerous studies on the former, strikingly, there has not been much research on the relationship between pathogen threat and in-group cooperation. Drawing upon prior studies on the function of the behavioral immune system (BIS), we argued that the BIS might facilitate cooperation with in-group members as a reactive behavioral immune response to pathogen threat. More specifically, we held that individuals might utilize cooperative behavior to ensure that they can receive social support when they have contracted an infectious disease. We reviewed existing findings pertaining to the potential role of the BIS in in-group cooperation and discussed directions for future studies.


2009 ◽  
Vol 296 (2) ◽  
pp. R257-R264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olli Arjamaa ◽  
Mikko Nikinmaa

The possibility that natriuretic peptides' effects are important in hypoxia responses of vertebrates is reviewed. Both the transcription and release of natriuretic peptides are affected by oxygen tension. Furthermore, many of the effects observed in hypoxia, such as diuresis and a reduction of plasma volume, are also caused by treatment of the animal with natriuretic peptides. Also, several clinical observations about changes in natriuretic peptide levels in, e.g., sleep apnea and cyanotic congenital heart disease, are consistent with the idea that hypoxia is involved in the etiology of conditions, in which natriuretic peptide levels increase. Virtually all published information on the relationship between oxygen and natriuretic peptides is based on human studies. Because hypoxic conditions are more common in aquatic than terrestrial environments, future studies about the possible role of natriuretic peptides in hypoxia, as well as the role of hypoxia in the evolution of natriuretic peptides, including the different subtypes, should increasingly involve also aquatic organisms.


Author(s):  
Brian J. Galli

A large number of the well-performing organizations in the world are believed to have better environments that produce highly motivated employees to attain their goals. As noted in the various literatures reviewed in this study, improved working conditions in companies, such as Dell Technologies and Apple Inc., are responsible for the overall organizational success within the highly contested market. When employees are motivated, they also work towards improving the conditions within the workplaces, so the relationship between the two is mutual. In addition, pay satisfaction, job design, and internal communication of an organization contributes to its workforce motivation, which results in improved productivity for the entire organization. On the other hand, highly motivated employees encourage organizational managers to offer better payment to their organizations, to attain satisfactory job design, and to improve internal communication. Even though this study utilized few articles in the literature review, its findings significantly contribute to the modern literature. However, future studies should consider using more materials and multiple variables to improve the quality and reliability of the outcomes.


1995 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 686-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobuya Inagaki ◽  
Hiroshi Kuromi ◽  
Tohru Gonoi ◽  
Yoshimasa Okamoto ◽  
Hitoshi Ishida ◽  
...  

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