Studies on the interaction of NMDA receptor antagonist memantine with cell membranes: A mini-review

Chem Biol Interact. 2018 Mar 1:283:47-50. doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.01.022. Epub 2018 Jan 31.

Abstract

Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist clinically used for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Currently, it is the only NMDA receptor antagonist drug marketed against this disease. Despite the large number of publications regarding its clinical and therapeutic use, studies related to its mechanism of action are still inconclusive. Knowledge of drug interactions with cell membranes may lead to the development of novel drugs for neurodegenerative diseases. The present mini-review aims to give an overview of the latest findings regarding the interaction of memantine with cell membranes, specifically with that of the human erythrocyte.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Erythrocytes / cytology
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Memantine / chemistry
  • Memantine / pharmacology*
  • Memantine / therapeutic use
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Memantine