Glutamate toxicity in Neurological diseases

ABSTRACTGlutamate is a neuro transmitter and is responsible for communication between cells. Under pathophysiological conditions its concentration is increased within the brain and results in glutamate toxicity. Increased glutamate in the brain can elicit damage and ultimately neuronal death. Glutamate toxicity is associated with various neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis and head trauma. However, it should be noted here that the molecular mechanism behind the glutamate toxicity is not fully understood and is quiet complex. Reducing glutamate toxicity is considered to be the most essential strategy to combat various neurological disorders. In this review, we have summarized previous studies to understand the cellular effects associated with the glutamate toxicity Keywords: Glutamate toxicity, Neurological disorders, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Glutamate transporter-1