N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors Mediate Excitotoxicity in Amyloid Beta-Induced Synaptic Pathology of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Mounting evidence suggests that cognitive impairment begins with subtle alterations of synaptic efficacy prior to frank neuronal degeneration, and synaptic dysfunction may be induced by diffusible oligomeric assemblies of amyloid beta peptide (Aβ). The mechanisms underlying Aβ neurotoxicity are complex but might involve N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). This review focuses on the action of NMDAR and its subunits in Aβ-induced synaptic dysfunction. The localized apoptotic mechanism that contributes to synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease will also be discussed.