Ifenprodil, a NR2B-selective antagonist of NMDA receptor, inhibits reverse Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in neurons

► Ifenprodil alone or together with PEAQX inhibits glutamate-induced Ca dysregulation. ► Ifenprodil is more effective in younger (6-8 DIV) than in older (13-16 DIV) neurons. ► Ifenprodil but not AP-5 or PEAQX inhibits reverse Na/Ca exchanger (NCXrev). ► Ifenprodil-like NMDAR antagonists Ro 25-6981 and Co 101244 also inhibit NCXrev. ► Both NMDAR and NCXrev are essential for the glutamate-induced Ca2+ dysregulation.