Increased Extracellular K ⁺ Concentration Reduces the Efficacy of <i>N</i> -methyl- <scp>d</scp> -aspartate Receptor Antagonists to Block Spreading Depression-Like Depolarizations and Spreading Ischemia

Abstract

Our data suggest that elevated baseline [K+]o reduces the efficacy of NMDAR antagonists on SD-like depolarizations and SI. In conditions of moderate energy depletion, as in the ischemic penumbra, or after subarachnoid hemorrhage, NMDAR inhibition may not be sufficient to block these depolarizations.