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Neuropsychopharmacology (1995) 12 347-349.
 2 Adrenergic Agonists Prevent MK-801 Neurotoxicity
Nuri B Farber MD, John Foster BA, Nadine L Duhan BS and John W Olney MD |
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From Department of Psychiatry, Washington University Scchool of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Correspondence: Nuri B Faber, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 4940 Children's Place, St. Louis, MO 63110
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ABSTRACT
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Antagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor are of considerable interest for various neurotherapeutic purposes, including preventing neuronal degeneration in stroke and CNS trauma, suppressing neuropathic pain and preventing the development of tolerance to opiate analgesics. Unfortunately, NMDA antagonists can cause potentially serious side effects, including acute neurodegenerative changes in corticolimbic regions of the adult rat brain and psychotic reactions in adult humans. We have been investigating the mechanisms underlying the neuropathological changes in rat brain and exploring methods of suppressing or preventing such changes. Here we report that 2 adrenergic agonists can prevent NMDA antagonist neurotoxicity. Therefore, administering 2 adrenergic agonists together with NMDA antagonists may be a valuable strategy for preventing adverse side effects of NMDA antagonists and making these agents safer for various neurotherapeutic purposes.
Keywords: Clonidine; α2 adrenergic receptor; Neurotoxicity; MK-801; Phencyclidine; NMDA antagonists |
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