Study of potency, kinetics of block and toxicity of NMDA receptor antagonists using fura-2

NMDA receptor antagonists reduced NMDA-triggered increases in [Ca2+](i) measured by fura-2 and showed qualitative differences in the potency and kinetics of block. High potency antagonists produced a slow block which allowed an initial increase in [Ca2+](i) that was greater than the steady-state level, while compounds with moderate to low potency produced a rapid block that was at steady-state from the first measurement. The more potent antagonists showed the slowest unblocking rates. Using this simple method, novel NMDA antagonists can be screened to ascertain potency, kinetics of block and relative toxicity, prior to animal testing.