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The neuroprotective properties of ifenprodil, a novel NMDA receptor antagonist, in neuronal cell culture toxicity studies

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Abstract

We investigated the effect of ifenprodil on excitotoxic cell death induced by acute exposure to glutamate receptor agonists in primary cultures of foetal mouse cerebral cortex. L-Glutamate and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) but not kainate and quisqualate-induced toxicity was attenuated in the presence of ifenprodil. In addition, ifenprodil and MK 801 blocked NaCN-induced toxicity. It is concluded that the cerebro-protective properties of ifenprodil in these models are mediated by NMDA receptor antagonism.

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