Excitotoxicity

Excitotoxicity (pronunciation: ex-cy-to-tox-icity) is a pathological process by which nerve cells are damaged and killed by excessive stimulation by neurotransmitters such as glutamate and similar substances. This process is implicated in a variety of neurological disorders including strokes, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Etymology

The term "excitotoxicity" is derived from the words "excite" and "toxicity", indicating the harmful effects of overstimulation on nerve cells.

Mechanism

Excitotoxicity occurs when receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (glutamate receptors) such as the NMDA receptor and AMPA receptor are overactivated by glutamatergic storm. This overactivation leads to an influx of calcium ions (calcium) into the cell, which can lead to the activation of a number of enzymes that damage cell structures such as components of the cytoskeleton, membrane, and DNA.

Role in disease

Excitotoxicity is thought to play a role in the death of neurons in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (Alzheimer's disease), Parkinson's disease (Parkinson's disease), and Huntington's disease (Huntington's disease). It is also implicated in damage to neurons following a stroke (Stroke) or in epilepsy (Epilepsy).

Related terms

• Neurotransmitter
• Glutamate receptor
• Calcium in biology
• Neurodegenerative disease
• Stroke
• Epilepsy

See also

• Neurotoxicity
• Oxidative stress
• Apoptosis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Excitotoxicity
• Wikipedia's article - Excitotoxicity

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