The role of glutamate in neurotransmission and in neurologic disease
J. T. Greenamyre
Glutamate is the putative neurotransmitter of several clinically important
pathways, including cortical association fibers, corticofugal pathways such
as the pyramidal tract, and hippocampal, cerebellar, and spinal cord
pathways. The excitatory actions of glutamate are mediated by multiple,
distinct receptor types and potent receptor antagonists have recently been
developed. Glutamate also has neurotoxic properties and can produce
"excitotoxic" lesions reminiscent of human neurodegenerative disorders.
Abnormally enhanced glutamatergic neurotransmission may cause excitotoxic
cell damage and lead to the neuronal death associated with
olivopontocerebellar atrophy, Huntington's disease, status epilepticus,
hypoxia/ischemia, and hypoglycemia. Pharmacologic manipulation of the
glutamatergic system may have great potential for the rational treatment of
a variety of neurologic diseases.
