Glutamate

Glutamate is an amino acid that serves as the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It also participates in protein synthesis and cellular metabolism.

AMPA receptor: An ionotropic glutamate receptor that mediates fast excitatory synaptic transmission. AMPA receptors carry much of glutamate’s rapid excitatory effect.
Glutamine: An amino acid that supplies nitrogen and serves as a precursor for glutamate in cells. Neurons replenish glutamate using glutamine supplied largely by astrocytes.
Excitotoxicity: Neuronal injury or death caused by excessive activation of excitatory neurotransmitter receptors. Excess glutamate can drive the receptor overactivation that defines excitotoxicity.
GABA: The principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult mammalian central nervous system. GABA often counterbalances the excitation produced by glutamate.
NMDA receptor: An ionotropic glutamate receptor whose activation depends on ligand binding and voltage-dependent magnesium unblock. NMDA receptors turn glutamate signaling into calcium entry and synaptic plasticity.
Glutamate–glutamine cycle: A metabolic exchange in which neurons and astrocytes recycle glutamate through glutamine. This cycle sustains neurotransmitter pools while helping remove synaptic glutamate.
Ischemic stroke: Brain injury caused by interrupted blood flow that deprives tissue of oxygen and glucose. Energy failure after stroke can cause glutamate accumulation and excitotoxic damage.
Glycine: An amino acid that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord and brainstem. Glycine provides inhibition in regions where glutamate also drives excitation.
Kainate receptor: An ionotropic glutamate receptor found at neuronal synapses and elsewhere in the nervous system. Kainate receptors provide another route for glutamate-driven excitation.
Astrocyte: A star-shaped glial cell that supports neurons and regulates the chemical environment of the brain. Astrocytes take up much released glutamate and return its precursor to neurons.

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