Nmda receptor Health Dictionary

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Nmda Receptor: From 1 Different Sources

a receptor on synapses that binds the *neurotransmitter glutamate and also binds its *agonist NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate). This receptor is involved in learning, memory, mood, and cognition; its overactivity is associated with chronic pain. NMDA-receptor antibodies are associated with an *encephalitis preceded by psychiatric symptoms, often in patients with ovarian malignancy (teratoma). NMDA-receptor antagonists (e.g. *amantadine, *memantine hydrochloride, *riluzole) are used in the treatment of (among other conditions) epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic pain syndromes.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Receptor

(1) Organs, which may consist of one cell or a small group of cells, that respond to di?erent forms of external or internal stimuli by conveying impulses down nerves to the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, alerting it to changes in the internal or external environment.

(2) A small, discrete area on the cell membrane or within the cell with which molecules or molecular complexes (e.g. hormones, drugs, and other chemical messengers) interact. When this interaction takes place it initiates a change in the working of the cell.... receptor

Oestrogen Receptor

A site on the membrane surrounding a cell (see CELLS) that binds to the hormone OESTROGENS. This activates the cell’s reaction to the hormone. Anti-oestrogen drugs such as TAMOXIFEN used to treat breast cancer (see BREASTS, DISEASES OF) prevent the oestrogen from binding to these receptors.... oestrogen receptor

Adrenergic Receptors

The sites in the body on which ADRENALINE and comparable stimulants of the SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM act. Drugs which have an adrenaline-like action are described as being adrenergic. There are ?ve di?erent types of adrenergic receptors, known as alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2 and beta3 respectively. Stimulation of alpha receptors leads to constriction of the bronchi, constriction of the blood vessels with consequent rise in blood pressure, and dilatation of the pupils of the eyes. Stimulation of beta1 receptors quickens the rate and output of the heart, while stimulation of beta2 receptors dilates the bronchi. Beta3 receptors are now known to mediate so-called non-shivering thermogenesis, a way of producing heat from specialised fat cells that is particularly relevant to the human infant.

For long it had been realised that in certain cases of ASTHMA, adrenaline had not the usual bene?cial e?ect of dilating the bronchi during an attack; rather it made the asthma worse. This was due to its acting on both the alpha and beta adrenergic receptors. A derivative, isoprenaline, was therefore produced which acted only on the beta receptors. This had an excellent e?ect in dilating the bronchi, but unfortunately also affected the heart, speeding it up and increasing its output – an undesirable e?ect which meant that isoprenaline had to be used with great care. In due course drugs were produced, such as salbutamol, which act predominantly on the beta2 adrenergic receptors in the bronchi and have relatively little e?ect on the heart.

The converse of this story was the search for what became known as BETA-ADRENOCEPTORBLOCKING DRUGS, or beta-adrenergic-blocking drugs. The theoretical argument was that if such drugs could be synthesised, they could be of value in taking the strain o? the heart – for example: stress ? stimulation of the output of adrenaline ? stimulation of the heart ? increased work for the heart. A drug that could prevent this train of events would be of value, for example in the treatment of ANGINA PECTORIS. Now there is a series of beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drugs of use not only in angina pectoris, but also in various other heart conditions such as disorders of rhythm, as well as high blood pressure. They are also proving valuable in the treatment of anxiety states by preventing disturbing features such as palpitations. Some are useful in the treatment of migraine.... adrenergic receptors

H2 Receptor Antagonists

These are drugs that block the action of HISTAMINE at the H2 receptor (which mediates the gastric and some of the cardiovascular effects of histamine). By reducing the production of acid by the stomach, these drugs – chie?y cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine and nizatidine – are valuable in the treatment of peptic ulcers (healing when used in high dose; preventing relapse when used as maintenance therapy in reduced dose), re?ux oesophagitis (see OESOPHAGUS, DISEASES OF), and the ZOLLINGERELLISON SYNDROME. These drugs are now being supplanted by PROTON-PUMP INHIBITORS and HELICOBACTER PYLORI eradication therapy. (See also DUODENAL ULCER.)... h2 receptor antagonists

Histamine-receptor Antagonists

See H-receptor antagonists.... histamine-receptor antagonists

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists

A group of antiallergy drugs, such as montelukast and zafirlukast, used to prevent symptoms of mild to moderate asthma. The drugs work by blocking the effects of leukotrienes – naturally occurring substances released in the lungs during an allergic reaction.

Because they are not bronchodilator drugs, and will not relieve an existing attack, they are usually used with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids to reduce the frequency of attacks.

Side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances and headache.

Skin and hypersensitivity reactions may also occur.... leukotriene receptor antagonists

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

(EGFR) a protein on the surface of cells (see receptor) that binds with epidermal *growth factor and is therefore involved in cell division. EGFR is expressed at increased levels in numerous tumours, particularly of the head and neck, and in colorectal cancer, in which it can be a target for antibody therapy with *cetuximab. *Tyrosine kinase inhibitors acting specifically on the EGFR include gefitinib and erlotinib in lung and pancreatic cancer.... epidermal growth factor receptor

Glp-1 Receptor Agonists

a group of drugs used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They mimic the actions of *glucagon-like peptide-1 in regulating the rise in blood glucose levels after eating and they also enhance satiety (see incretin). As these drugs respond to a falling blood glucose level there is a reduced tendency to *hypoglycaemia compared with *sulphonylurea drugs and insulin therapy itself. They are given by subcutaneous injection and three of them are licensed for use in the UK: exenatide (Byetta; twice daily dosing), liraglutide (Victoza; once daily dosing), and lixisenatide (Lyxumia; once daily dosing).... glp-1 receptor agonists

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist

one of a class of drugs that prevent the action of *leukotrienes by blocking their receptors on cell membranes, such as those in the airways. These drugs are used in the management of asthma for their effects in relaxing the smooth muscle of the airways and in reducing inflammation in the bronchial linings. Examples are montelukast and zafirlukast; side-effects may include headache and abdominal pain or gastrointestinal upsets.... leukotriene receptor antagonist

Oestrogen-receptor Antagonist

see anti-oestrogen.... oestrogen-receptor antagonist

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy

(PRRT) a type of radiotherapy used to treat neuroendocrine tumours (NETs; see neuroendocrine system). A *radionuclide is combined with a relevant *peptide to create a so-called radiopeptide, which is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. Because NETs have an overexpression of peptide receptors, the radiopeptide binds to the tumour, delivering a high dose of radiation directly to the cancer cells. The chief merit of PRRT is this ability to target delivery of radionuclides for highly localized treatment. A similar technique, using a gamma emitter as the radionuclide, can be used for locating and imaging NETs.... peptide receptor radionuclide therapy

Stretch Receptor

a cell or group of cells found between muscle fibres that responds to stretching of the muscle by transmitting impulses to the central nervous system through the sensory nerves. Stretch receptors are part of the *proprioceptor system necessary for the performance of coordinated muscular activity.... stretch receptor

Tsh Receptor Antibodies

autoantibodies targeted against the *thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor of the thyroid cells. They can activate the TSH receptor, leading to the hyperthyroidism of *Graves’ disease, or they can block the TSH receptor, causing *hypothyroidism.... tsh receptor antibodies

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