Excessive glutamate stimulation and neurodegeneration

Abstract

Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and plays a key role in synaptic transmission, learning, and memory processes. However, excessive glutamate release and overstimulation of excitatory receptors (NMDA, AMPA) lead to an overload of calcium ions in neurons. This, in turn, promotes the formation of free radicals, mitochondrial damage, and the activation of cellular death pathways.