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The contribution of the different binding sites of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor to the expression of behavior

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Summary

The effects of competitive (CGP 37849 and CGP 39551) and noncompetitive (dizocilpine) N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists were tested in three animal models (catalepsy, sniffing, locomotion) and, in addition, the modulation of these effects by an agonist of the strychnine-insensitive glycine binding site was investigated. Both competitive and non-competitive NMDA antagonists reduced neuroleptic-induced catalepsy. Weak sniffing was induced by the competitive antagonist but strong sniffing by the non-competitive NMDA antagonist. Due to muscle relaxation the competitive antagonist reduced locomotion, in contrast to stimulation of locomotor activity induced by the noncompetitive NMDA antagonist. The glycine agonist (D-cycloserine) potentiated the effects of the non-competitive but antagonized those of the competitive NMDA antagonist.

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  1. B. D. Kretschmer

    Present address: Department of Neuropharmacology, Zoological Institute, University of Tübingen, Federal Republic of Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuropharmacology, Zoological Institute, University of Tübingen, Federal Republic of Germany

    B. Zadow, T. L. Volz, L. Volz & W. J. Schmidt

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Kretschmer, B.D., Zadow, B., Volz, T.L. et al. The contribution of the different binding sites of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor to the expression of behavior. J. Neural Transmission 87, 23–35 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01253108

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01253108

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