Özet:

The study of the glutamatergic neurotransmitter system has received attention during the last decade in the pathophysiology and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Glutamate is the major mediator of excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain, and thereby contributes to important brain functions. Its ionotropic and metabotropic receptors function in a great variety of activities. The ionotropic glutamatergic receptors, amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) can trigger the activation of the entire system. Ampakines are a structurally diverse family of small molecules that selectively and positively modulate AMPA receptors, and causing fast, excitatory transmission in the brain. They enhance learning and memory processes by intervening communication between cortical regions. Besides, their function in regulating some growth factors, such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), explains their wide range of therapeutic potential. Ampakines have given successful results in animal models of mood and neurodegenerative disorders, yet their clinical studies continue for a couple of molecules.

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