Effects of Ethanol on NMDA Receptors in Brain: Possibilities for Mg2+ -Ethanol Interactions

The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS is L-glutamate, and one of the subtypes of L-glutamate receptors, the N -methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype, has been found to be quite sensitive to inhibition by low concentrations of ethanol (5–50 mm). The NMDA receptor-ion channels are unique in that they exhibit a voltage-dependent blockade by physiological concentrations of Mg²⁺, a blockade that is relieved as the cell membrane is depolarized. Several lines of evidence also suggest that the activity of this receptor-channel complex may be regulated through a high-affinity Mg²⁺ site, which is distinct from the channel-blocking site and could even be located on the extracellular domain of the protein. This high-affinity Mg²⁺ site has been shown to increase the binding of N -[1-(2-thienyl) cyclohexyl]piperidine within the ion channel, as well as the binding of competitive antagonist such as 3-(±)-carboxypiperazine-4-yl)-[1,2]-propyl-1-phosphonic acid and the receptor coactivator glycine. The relationship between the acute effects of ethanol on receptor activation and the regulatory properties of Mg²⁺ is not yet known, although the hypomagnesemia that occurs in chronic alcoholism could certainly have implications for receptor function. A significant amount of molecular characterization of the multiple isoforms of the NMDA receptor-ion channel will be required before the role of Mg²⁺ can be clarified and any relationship between Mg²⁺ regulation and ethanol inhibition established.