Muscarinic acetylcholine and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (mAChR/NMDAR)

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are two distinct but functionally interrelated receptor systems that play pivotal roles in central nervous system signaling (Galaj et al., 2022; Chen et al., 2023). Muscarinic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that modulate neuronal excitability, while NMDA receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors essential for synaptic plasticity and memory (Gutierrez et al., 2003; ResearchGate, 2024). The synergistic interaction between these receptors is critical for cognitive processes, and their combined dysfunction is implicated in disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia (Giacobini et al., 2022; Binasss, 2017). Therapeutic strategies often involve dual modulation; for instance, drugs like caramiphen and orphenadrine act as antagonists at both receptors to treat movement disorders and provide neuroprotection (BenchChem, 2024; PatSnap, 2023). Additionally, combination therapies targeting both pathways, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors with NMDA antagonists, are standard clinical approaches for managing cognitive decline (ResearchGate, 2022). Research also highlights their role in reward-related learning and dopamine transients in the midbrain (Galaj et al., 2022). Safety concerns for drugs targeting these receptors include anticholinergic effects and dissociative symptoms (BenchChem, 2024; ResearchGate, 2024).

Other names

Muscarinic and NMDA receptorsmAChR and NMDARCholinergic and glutamatergic receptor systemsMuscarinic/NMDA receptor system

Dual antagonism or modulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors to regulate neuronal signaling and plasticity (PatSnap, 2023; BenchChem, 2024).