Excitatory Amino Acids and Brain Ischemia: Pharmacological and Clinical Aspects

This volume focuses on new knowledge concerning the pathophysiological correlates of irreversible ischemic brain damage. Central to this theme is the well established finding that glutamate is lethal to brain cells following cerebral ischemia whilst, paradoxically, it is the most important neurotransmitter under normal physiological conditions. It has been shown that the neurotoxic effects of glutamate are due to an abusive stimulation of specific glutamate receptors leading to autophagic cell death. By manipulation of these receptors with allosteric and isosteric inhibitors it has proved possible to limit ischemic brain damage. This and other important considerations such as whether free radicals are involved, the role of nerve growth factor, and the protective effects of sphingolipids on glutamate-induced toxicity are addressed in this up-to-date collection from international research teams. The possible clinical applications of the findings and development of new remedies are also reviewed. This collection of papers will provide an indispensable overview for all those concerned with the investigation and treatment of ischemic brain damage.