Figure 6From: In vivo effects of antibodies from patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: further evidence of synaptic glutamatergic dysfunctionProposed scheme of the synaptic consequences of NMDA-R-Ab. The antibodies block the NR1/NR2 heteromers of the NMDA receptor, causing a state of imbalance between NMDA and AMPA receptors. Blockade of NMDA-R impairs AMPA-R endocytosis. NMDA-R-Ab cause an increased release of glutamate which is dependent on the alpha2-delta subunit of VGCC and which is also related to a deregulation of gabaergic interneurons. NO acts as a retrograde messenger and amplifies glutamate release.Back to article page