What is the molecular mechanism behind excitotoxicity in epilepsy?4 answersExcitotoxicity in epilepsy involves the excessive activation of glutamate receptors, particularly N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), leading to a cascade of neurotoxic events. This process includes alterations in glutamate and calcium metabolism, dysfunction of glutamate transporters, and mitochondrial dysfunction, ultimately resulting in neuronal cell death. In epilepsy, the upregulation of Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) exacerbates excitotoxicity by promoting neuronal injury through increased seizure severity and cell death. DAPK1 activation is influenced by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, highlighting a key pathway in the pathogenesis of epilepsy-related excitotoxicity. Additionally, seizures can activate transcription factors and signaling pathways associated with apoptosis, further contributing to neuronal damage in epilepsy.
How does excitotoxicity contribute to the development and progression of dementia?5 answersExcitotoxicity, characterized by excessive glutamate-induced neuronal damage, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of dementia. The process involves dysregulation of glutamate and calcium metabolism, malfunction of glutamate receptors like NMDARs, and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. In dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, excitotoxicity is exacerbated by factors like amyloid-β oligomers, leading to neuronal apoptosis and calcium overload. Excitotoxicity-induced neuronal death is a common feature in various neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, highlighting the importance of understanding and targeting excitotoxic mechanisms for potential therapeutic interventions.
Can thinking too much for too long damage neurons by extracellular glutamate accumulation and excitotoxicity?5 answersExcessive and prolonged thinking can potentially lead to neuronal damage through extracellular glutamate accumulation and excitotoxicity. Glutamate, a crucial neurotransmitter, can become toxic when present in high concentrations, causing overstimulation of glutamate receptors and subsequent calcium influx, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reactive oxygen species production, ultimately leading to cell death. This excitotoxic process is exacerbated by the inhibition of cystine uptake, depleting essential antioxidants like glutathione and inducing oxidative stress. Chronic excitotoxicity, triggered by excess extracellular glutamate, is implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the detrimental impact of glutamate imbalance on neuronal health. Therefore, prolonged cognitive activity may indeed contribute to neuronal damage through mechanisms involving glutamate toxicity and excitotoxicity.
What evidence is there to show that disruption of silent synapses in early development can cause neurological deficits?4 answersDisruption of silent synapses in early development has been shown to cause neurological deficits. Silent synapses are synapses that lack functional AMPA receptor-mediated transmission. These synapses are normally eliminated during development, but if they are prematurely or delayed unsilenced, it can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and brain pathology. Studies have found that insults to the developing brain, such as hypoxia, can influence the integrative function of subplate neurons (SPNs) which are associated with silent synapses. This link between early injuries and later circuit dysfunction may contribute to symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) has been shown to induce long-lasting cognitive deficits and an increase in the number of silent synapses, suggesting a potential mechanism for learning and memory deficits. Overall, these findings provide evidence that disruption of silent synapses in early development can have detrimental effects on neurological function.
How does traumatic brain injury causes excitotoxicity?5 answersTraumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause excitotoxicity, which is the rapid overload and influx of calcium into the cell cytoplasm, leading to apoptosis and neuronal death. This excitotoxicity is primarily triggered by the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that increases intracellular calcium through ionotropic receptors, such as NMDAR, kainate, and calcium-permeable AMPAR. However, there are also glutamate-independent mechanisms that contribute to excitotoxicity, including the mechanosensitive activation of NMDA receptors, mechanoporation of the cell membrane, ischemia, and the release of calcium from intracellular stores. The initial increase in extracellular glutamate is cleared within 5 minutes after TBI, but antagonists of glutamate receptors remain effective when administered 30 minutes after the injury, suggesting that other abnormalities of glutamatergic neurotransmission may be involved. Overall, TBI-induced excitotoxicity involves a complex interplay of glutamate release and other mechanisms that disrupt calcium homeostasis and contribute to neuronal damage.
Are free radicals toxic to neurons?9 answers