Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS, crucial for learning, memory, and brain function.
Function of Glutamate:
- Primary excitatory neurotransmitter.
- Crucial for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
Receptors:
- Ionotropic:
- NMDA (N-Methyl-D-Aspartate)
- AMPA
- Kainate
- Metabotropic: mGluRs (G-protein-coupled)
Synthesis Pathway of Glutamate:
- Glutamine (from astrocytes) → Glutamate
- Enzyme: Glutaminase
- Glutamate is packed into vesicles by VGLUT
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Excitotoxicity:
- Overactivation of glutamate receptors → neuronal injury/death.
- Implicated in stroke, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease.
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