Typical Pathological Process in Glutamate Neurotoxicity: the Role of Reactive Nitrogen and Oxygen Species

Abstract

The disruption of major regulatory mechanisms of nerve cells can lead to glutamate neurotoxicity/excitotoxicity. This phenomenon most often occurs in hypoxia/ischemia, during inflammatory processes, activation of immune and autoimmune responses. Pathological changes in the brain in the early stages of diseases are nonspecific. The distinction between pathological change and physiological norm is small. These typical pathological processes are common with a variety of diseases. They may also occur in ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. The main objective of this work was to analyze some physiological and cytochemical processes that are associated with the neurotransmitter glutamate, as well as with highly reactive and highly toxic compounds such as reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. Reactive nitrogen (•NO) and oxygen (•O2–) species can affect almost all major components of cells and subcellular structures. At low concentrations, they perform a regulatory function. Mechanism analysis of toxic effects of glutamate, reactive nitrogen and oxygen species was essential for the development of new methods of protection against the damaging effects of the said substances thereby using these methods in treatment of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.