LY-344545

LY-344545 is a pharmacological compound that acts as a selective antagonist for the NMDA receptor, a type of glutamate receptor. It has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of various neurological disorders, including schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

Pharmacology

LY-344545 is a non-competitive antagonist of the NMDA receptor, which means it binds to a site on the receptor that is distinct from the agonist binding site. This prevents the activation of the receptor by glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Clinical significance

The NMDA receptor is implicated in a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and major depressive disorder. Antagonists of the NMDA receptor, such as LY-344545, have therefore been investigated for their potential therapeutic effects.

Schizophrenia

In schizophrenia, there is evidence of dysfunction in glutamatergic neurotransmission, and specifically in the function of the NMDA receptor. LY-344545, as an NMDA receptor antagonist, has been studied for its potential to alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Alzheimer's disease

The role of the NMDA receptor in Alzheimer's disease is less clear, but it is thought that overactivation of the receptor may contribute to the neurodegeneration seen in this condition. LY-344545 may therefore have potential as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

See also

• NMDA receptor antagonist
• Glutamate receptor
• Neurotransmitter
• Schizophrenia
• Alzheimer's disease