Possible Role of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors in Physiology and Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular System

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors belong to ionotropic glutamate receptor family, together with α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, kainite receptors and δ-receptors. All of these receptors are tetramers composed of four subunits. NMDA receptors have several unique features in relation to other ionotropic glutamate receptors: requirement for simultaneous action of two coagonists, glutamate and glycine; dual control of receptor activation, ligand-dependent (by glutamate and glycine) and voltage-dependent (Mg²⁺ block) control; and influx of considerable amounts of Ca²⁺ following receptor activation. Increasing number of researches deals with physiological and pathophysiological roles of NMDA receptors outside of nerve tissues, especially in the cardiovascular system. NMDA receptors are found in all cell types represented in cardiovascular system, and their overstimulation in pathological conditions, such as hyperhomocysteinemia, is related to a range of cardiovascular disorders. On the other hand we demonstrated that blockade of NMDA receptors depresses heart function. There is a need for the intensive study of NMDA receptor in cardiovascular system as potential theraputical target both in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders.