Glutamate receptors in neuronal and immune system cells

Abstract

The role of glutamatergic system in synaptic transmission andexcitotoxicity is well established. Moreover, expression of glutamate receptors in a number of non-neuronal cells, where theymay perform specific, as yet unknown functions, becomes evident. While the role of glutamic acid in the non-neuronal cells isnot totally understood, this compound can be considered as aspecific regulatory molecule not only for the central nervous system. Actually, recent publications demonstrate that glutamatereceptors expressed in lymphocytes take part in the processes oftheir activation. Therefore, within the framework of the well-known paradigm of interaction between nervous and immunesystems, glutamate can be regarded as neuroimmune modulator.Glutamate action on the immune cells may play an importantrole in the pathogenesis of different diseases, especially thoseaccompanied by inflammatory reactions and/or increased levelsof glutamate in brain and peripheral blood stream.

Keywords

• glutamate
• nmda receptors
• neurons
• central nervous system
• lymphocytes
• intracellular signaling