Riluzole NMDA receptor antagonist

In terms of clinical proof of neuroprotective effects in chronic neurodegenerative diseases, so far there are promising clinical results in ATS only with riluzole, and even then, the increase of survival obtained was only modest. The failure of r emacemide in a recent study in Huntington s disease was clearly a big setback. On the other hand, the moderate-affinity NMDA receptor antagonist memantine provides clear symptomatic improvement in dementia in both clinical and preclinical situations, and the precHnical data predict neuroprotective effects, substantiated by numerous animal models. 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is currently treated with riluzole, which improves survival in 30% of patients. Riluzole, an NMDA receptor antagonist, is discussed later in this chapter. A clinical trial of gabapentin, a (y aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis demonstrated little efficacy. Antioxidants have also not demonstrated significant efficacy so far. 

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