EN
The paper reviews the molecular structure, distribution and the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) as excitatory aminoacid receptors. These receptors comprise a family which consists of at least eight members (mGluR₁₋₈) and coupled to various intracellular second messenger systems through G-proteins. These receptors mediate the neuromodulatory action of glutamate, and have been traditionally divided into three main groups (mGluR I, II i III) based on sequence similarity. Recent progress in the development of specific antagonists (LY 367 385, MPEP for mGluR₁) and/or agonist LY 354740, ADPC for mGluR₂⁄₃ and L-AP4 for mGluR₄) for these receptors can significantly facilitate the prophilaxy and therapy of different types of pain.