N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockers for the prevention of atherosclerosis

This invention relates to N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Blockers for the Prevention of Atherosclerosis. In addition, this invention relates to the unique homocysteine receptor and the blockage of this receptor in the prevention of atherosclerosis. This invention further relates to therapies using NMDA Receptor Blockers, including blockers for a NMDA-like receptor. The present invention relates to the novel finding that homocysteine affects the initiation and/or progress of atherosclerosis via a receptor-mediated growth factor effect on vascular smooth muscle cells. This growth factor effect can be inhibited by N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists via a unique receptor that is in the NMDA receptor family. Through the use of cloning and other procedures, this homocysteine receptor can be characterized in order to develop novel pharmacologic strategies that the address the receptor for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.