In cell cultures, in the absence of astrocytes, neurons die in the presence of high levels of which aminoacid?
a) glycine
b) aspartate
c) asparagine
d) glutamine
c) glutamate
In cell cultures, in the absence of astrocytes, neurons die in the presence of high levels of which aminoacid?
a) glycine
b) aspartate
c) asparagine
d) glutamine
c) glutamate
Glutamate is the major excitatory NT in neurons. Release of glutamate causes an excitotoxic cascade(Ca2+ involved) and cytotoxic edema which can both kill neurons. Both cases follow relatively the same mechanism.