Role of glutamate receptor complex in the organism. Ligands of NMDA receptors in neurodegenerative processes – a modern state of the problem

Abstract

(S)-glutamic acid (glutamate) is the main excitatory mediator in the central nervous system, responsible for regulating of many physiological functions. Dysfunction of the glutamatergic system characterizes of many pathological conditions in neurology and psychiatry, and the aberrant function of glutamate receptors plays a key role in the development of neurodegenerative processes. Glutamate is crucial for many aspects of normal brain function, including memory, learning, and motor planning. In addition, glutamate is involved in the regulation of the peripheral nervous and endocrine systems. Glutamate receptors are critically important molecules necessary for the physiological functioning of the brain: they modulate neurotransmission and regulate the strength of excitatory and inhibitory transmission in the nervous system. In this regard, the use of drugs that affect glutamatergic transmission has an impact on the most important processes of neuronal transmission. The research and development of pharmacological agents involved in the processes of glutamate transmission is a relevant task of modern neuropsychopharmacology and has a purpose to improve the effectiveness and safety of available glutamatergic molecules.