baclofen

n. a skeletal muscle relaxant that inhibits transmission of synaptic reflexes at the spinal cord level. A GABA_B receptorgabab-receptor agonist, it is often used in the treatment of reversible spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. Baclofen has also been found to inhibit the rewarding properties of drugs with abuse potential (opiates, cocaine, etc.). U.S. trade name: Lioresal.

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Psychology term of the day

September 8th 2024

NMDA receptor

a type of glutamate receptor that binds NMDA as well as glutamate. NMDA receptors are coupled to ligand-gated ion channels and are also voltage-sensitive, which enables them to participate in a variety of information-processing operations at synapses where glutamate is the neurotransmitter. The drugs of abuse ketamine and PCP are antagonists at NMDA receptors, preventing the influx of calcium ions at calcium channels, which may cause the hallucinogenic effects of these drugs. Excessive flow of calcium ions into the presynaptic neuron via the NMDA receptor is thought to contribute to glutamate toxicity. A hypothesis on the etiology of schizophrenia involves dysfunction of the NMDA glutamate receptor (see glutamate hypothesis). Compare AMPA receptor.