NMDA receptors
Excessive glutamate signaling can lead to excitotoxicity, a phenomenon whereby over-activation of glutamate receptors initiates neuronal death. Glutamate can be toxic to white-matter oligodendrocytes.
Oligodendrocyte excitotoxicity is mediated by alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and kainate glutamate receptor types.
Oligodendrocytes also express N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are activated under pathological conditions.
References
Matute C. Oligodendrocyte NMDA receptors: a novel therapeutic target. Trends Mol Med. 2006 Jul;12(7):289-92. PMID: #16750425#