AMPA receptors as targets for neuroprotective or antidepressant drugs

AMPA receptors are ionotropic transmembrane receptors for glutamate that mediate synaptic transmission in the brain. The name AMPA is derived from alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-isoxazole Propionic Acid that binds to these receptors. The principal ion gated by AMPA receptors is sodium. Because of their important role in the synaptic transmission AMPA receptors are viewed as likely targets  for new neuroprotective and/or antidepressant drugs. Dr. Michael Spedding from Servier Laboratories in France worked extensively with drugs affecting AMPA receptors. In the video interview with Dr. Greg Rose (see below) he points out that neuroprotection can result from either blockade or stimulation of AMPA receptors.
Keywords:  drug targets, drug receptors, AMPA receptors, AMPA, neuroprotection, neuroprotective drugs, antidepressants, synaptic transmission, glutamate, Michael Spedding, Greg Rose, Servier Laboratories