title: D-serine: physiology and pathology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Here, we discuss the recent data on the role of different N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) coagonists, D-serine and glycine, in regulating NMDAR activity and neurotoxicity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  D-Serine originates from both neurons and astrocytes, from where it is released by different mechanisms. Recent data indicate that like glial D-serine, neuronal D-serine is required for NMDAR-dependent, long-term potentiation at the hippocampal CA1-CA3 synapses and proper synapse formation in the cerebral cortex. D-serine is the physiological coagonist of synaptic NMDAR, whereas glycine action is restricted to extrasynaptic sites.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  D-Serine is now recognized as the major NMDAR coagonist at the synapse. The data establish D-serine as a key transmitter or neuromodulator that mediates synaptic NMDAR activation and neurotoxicity. In this context, drugs that inhibit D-serine synthesis or release will provide new neuroprotective strategy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, B Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: Inna
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Radzishevsky
authors.forename: Hagit
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sason
authors.forename: Herman
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wolosker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000502:physiology; D005998:Glycine / Q000502:physiology*; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation; D023421:Models, Animal; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000473:pathology; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000502:physiology*; D012694:Serine / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission
chemical_list: D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D012694:Serine; D005998:Glycine