complex(a(CHEBI:"calcium(2+)"), p(GFAM:"Glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunits"))

Components

• a(CHEBI:"calcium(2+)")
• p(GFAM:"Glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunits")

In individuals with normal cognitive functioning, Mg2+ blocks the passage of Ca2+ through the neuronal NMDA receptor calcium channel under resting conditions, but it is readily displaced when membrane depolarization occurs and synaptic glutamate concentrations are at peak levels (ie, when neuronal firing occurs). PubMed:16273023

According to the proposed hypothesis, memantine has the ability to block the passage of Ca2+ through the calcium channel even when, as in Alzheimer's disease, resting synaptic glutamate levels are abnormally high, but it is still readily displaced at peak synaptic glutamate concentrations.13 In other words, the clinical efficacy of memantine appears to stem from its ability to prevent neuronal overactivity without also hindering normal neurotransmission. PubMed:16273023