ABSTRACT
Neuronal damage is associated with the excessive stimulation of N-Methyl-D- Aspartate (NMDA) receptors by glutamate during cerebral ischemia.Because of non-selective NMDA receptor antagonist can influence all NMDA receptors and produce adverse effects,and its clinical application has been restricted significantly,an increasing attention has been paid to the selective NMDA receptor in recent years.NR2B subunit antagonists are mainly divided into piperidine derivatives,amide derivatives,amidine derivatives,and aminoquinoline derivatives,etc. The representative drugs include ifenprodil and eliprodil.These drugs can selectively act on NMDA receptor NR2B subunit,and they are expected to become safe and effective neuropro- tective agents in clinical practice.