The role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in dopaminergic neuropathology produced by the amphetamines.

Abstract

Although it has been known for several decades that the administration of amphetamines to experimental animals produces damage to monoaminergic neurons, the mechanism(s) underlying this neuropathology is unknown. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that various N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists can prevent the damage produced by the amphetamines. The purpose of this communication is to review the evidence which demonstrates the role of NMDA receptors in the neuropathology of neostriatal dopaminergic neurons produced by the amphetamines and to discuss how the action of the amphetamines may potentially affect NMDA receptor function.