NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors are a subtype of glutamate receptor, and play an important role in both synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. When excessively excited, NMDA receptors can cause cell death in many neuropathological scenarios such as OGD (oxygen and glucose deprivation) and brain injury. However, recent studies have revealed that under the physical and some pathological conditions, NMDA receptor could promote neuronal survival and protect neurons from damage.