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Mode of Action

Memantine as an NMDA receptor antagonist can prevent the pathological stimulation of NMDA receptors.

The glutamatergic neurotransmitter system plays a crucial role in memory formation and information processing. Disturbances in this system contribute to the manifestation of symptoms of the Alzheimer´s Disease. Pathological changes in the brain (e.g. ischemia, ß-amyloid deposits) can cause a glutamatergic dysfunction and, thus, excitotoxicity leading ot neurodegeneration.

Mode of action of memantine (Interactive animation)

Animation Mode of Action

Normal situation

  1. Glutamate transmits signal via the NMDA receptor
  2. Recycling of glutamate in the glia cell
  3. Detection of the signal and information

Alzheimer´s disease

  1. ß-Amyloid inhibits glutamate recyling.
  2. Excess glutamate masks signal transmission.
  3. Signal detection is inhibited.

Treatment of Alzheimer´s disease with memantine

  1. Memantine blocks the effect of excess glutamate.
  2. Restoration of physiological signal transmission
  3. Stabilised signal detection. Improvement of symptoms of Alzheimer´s Disease.

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Last change: Jul 31, 2006, 05:55 AM

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Mode of Action. Retrieved May 13, 2008, 09:53 AM, from Memantine.com Web site: http://www.memantine.com/en/mode_of_action/

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