Excitotoxicity-induced neuronal damage pathway

Excitotoxicity-induced neuronal damage pathway describes a pathological process by which excessive or prolonged activation of glutamate receptors (notably NMDA and AMPA receptors) causes neuronal injury and cell death. Prolonged glutamate receptor activation results in sustained calcium influx, inducing a cascade involving mitochondrial dysfunction, production of reactive oxygen species, activation of degradative enzymes, and ultimately cell death via apoptosis, necrosis, or autophagy. Excitotoxicity is central to the pathogenesis of acute and chronic neurological disorders, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and various neurodegenerative diseases.

Other names

Excitotoxic pathwayGlutamate excitotoxicityExcitotoxicity cascade

Inhibit glutamate receptors to prevent Ca²⁺ influx and subsequent cell death.