D-Serine is a non-essential amino acid and dextro isomer of serine with antipsychotic activity. D-serine is a selective full agonist at the glycine site of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor. Hypofunction of NMDA type of neurotransmission is believed to play a major role in pathophysiology of schizophrenia, therefore, administration of D-serine and subsequent activation of NMDA receptors may alleviate psychotic tendencies.
D-Serine is involved in the biosynthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and other amino acids. D-Serine also is an agonist of glycine site of the NMDA-type glutamate receptor. It also acts as Lacosamide intermediate.