Effect of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor blockade on neuronal plasticity and gastrointestinal transit delay induced by ischemia/reperfusion in rats

This study suggests an involvement of the glutamatergic system and its interaction with nitric oxide in intestinal ischemia/reperfusion. Ischemia/reperfusion might induce local release of glutamate that activates N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors leading to increased production of nitric oxide and adaptive changes in enteric transmitters that might contribute to gastrointestinal dysmotility.