Abstract

Glutamate is one of the major neurotrasmitters in mammalian brain and changes in its concentration have been associated with a number of neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular diseases and epilepsy. Moreover, recently a possible role for glutamatergic system dysfunction has been suggested also in the peripheral nervous system. This chapter will revise the current knowledge in the distribution of glutamate and of its receptors and transporters in the central nervous system.

Keywords: Central nervous system, excitatory, excitotoxicity, glutamate, peripheral nervous system, receptors, transporters, glutamatergic neurotransmission, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy