CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Specific receptors for classical neurotransmitter receptors and neuropeptides as well as Na/K-ATPase, are all molecular entities inserted in synaptic region membranes and probably localized contiguous. Herein, available experimental evidence showing close interaction between the activity of Na/K-ATPase and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) ionotropic glutamate receptor was reviewed, which support a functional link between these macromolecules. Na/K-ATPase and NMDA receptor are involved in ion movements through the membranes. The former acts as an ionic transporter whereas the latter as an ionic channel. The modulation of their activity plays a critical role in controlling neuronal function. Examples were taken from studies performed with specific agonist or antagonist drugs for NMDA receptor. As regards Na/K-ATPase, its involvement is postulated after resorting to its inhibition by ouabain or related cardiac glycosides. Alternatively, experimental conditions known to prevent normal Na/K-ATPase activity (i. e., sodium pump functioning) led to valuable information likewise. They indicate potential cross-talk between this enzyme and NMDA receptor. Na/K-ATPase and NMDA in hippocampus play very important roles in the regulation of learning and memory. The fact that important changes here described were recorded in hippocampus may indicate a different vulnerability of this area to toxicity induced by Na/K-ATPase inhibitor ouabain. Some interesting relationships include calcineurin actions, the participation of ERK or Src family kinases, as well as signaling cascades initiated by calcium. At present, many other examples of signaling related with NMDA receptor cannot be correlated with Na/ K-ATPase activity. It is desirable that the development of future research lines offer new clues for the relationship between Na/K-ATPase and NMDA receptor activation.