Typical Pathological Process in Glutamate Neurotoxicity: The Role of Reactive Nitrogen and Oxygen Species

Abstract

Violation of the main regulatory mechanisms at the level of nerve cells can lead to the phenomenon of neurotoxicity/excitotoxicity of glutamate. Such phenomena most often occur under hypoxia/ischemia, inflammatory processes, and activation of immune and autoimmune reactions. Pathological changes in the brain at the early stages of diseases are nonspecific. They differ little from the physiological norm. Such typical pathological processes are characteristic of numerous diseases. They also develop in ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. The main task of this work was to analyze some physiological and cytochemical processes that are associated with the neurotransmitter glutamate, as well as with highly reactive and highly toxic compounds, reactive forms of nitrogen and oxygen. The reactive forms of nitrogen (\(^{\bullet }{\text{NO}}\)) and oxygen (\(^{\bullet}{\text{O}}_{2}^{ - }\)) can affect almost all major components of cells and subcellular structures. At low concentrations, they perform a regulatory function. The analysis of the mechanisms of toxic effects of glutamate, reactive forms of nitrogen and oxygen species as a model of stroke allowed us to propose new ways to protect against the damaging effects of the above substances, which can be used in the treatment of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.