Figure 10.

Schematic illustration of the separate pathways downstream of synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDARs. Left, Synaptic NMDAR activation stimulates μ-calpain, resulting in PHLPP1degradation and in the activation of Akt and ERK1/2 and their downstream prosurvival pathways. Right, Extrasynaptic NMDAR activation induces m-calpain activation and the resulting STEP degradation and in the activation of p38 prodeath pathway, leading to neurotoxicity. There are no cross-talks between those two pathways.