Title:Peripheral and Central Glutamate Dyshomeostasis in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Volume: 19
Issue: 7
Author(s): Adejoke Y. Onaolapo*Olakunle J. Onaolapo
Affiliation:
- Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Subdivision Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State,Nigeria
Keywords:
Gut-liver brain axis, glutamate receptors, sodium-dependent transporter, cystine-glutamate antiporter.
Abstract: Glutamate’s role as the major excitatory neurotransmitter of the mammalian central nervous
system requires that its brain concentrations be kept tightly-controlled. However, in hepatic
encephalopathy resulting from liver dysfunction; disruption of central neurotransmission and elevation
of brain glutamate levels have been observed. These had been associated with certain neurological
changes. While neurological changes resulting from hepatic encephalopathy are believed to be
transient, the discovery of alterations in liver enzymes in Alzheimer’s disease and the role of glutamate
and glutamate homeostasis in hepatic encephalopathy have piqued interests in the possible
role of glutamate, and glutamate homeostasis in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we discuss the
evidence in support of the involvement of peripheral/central glutamate homeostasis in the development
of neurodegenerative disorders, as well as, the implications of such interactions in the development
of new therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.
