Excitotoxicity
Neuronal death caused by excessive stimulation by excitatory neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate. Cannabinoids reduce excitotoxicity by limiting glutamate release.
In Depth
Excitotoxicity occurs when glutamate overstimulates NMDA and AMPA receptors, causing excessive calcium influx and triggering cell death pathways. It is a key mechanism of neuronal damage in stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. Cannabinoids reduce excitotoxicity through CB1-mediated reduction of glutamate release and through direct antioxidant effects (CBD). This neuroprotective mechanism is one of the most promising areas of cannabinoid research.
Related Terms
Further Reading
More in Neuroscience
Retrograde Signaling
A form of synaptic communication where the postsynaptic neuron sends chemical signals back to the presynaptic neuron to modulate neurotransmitter release.
Neurogenesis
The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain. In adults, primarily occurs in the hippocampus (dentate gyrus) and olfactory bulb.
Neuroprotection
The preservation of neuronal structure and function against injury, degeneration, or disease.
Neuroinflammation
Inflammation of nervous tissue, involving activation of microglia and astrocytes and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines within the CNS.
Hippocampus
A brain region critical for memory formation, spatial navigation, and stress regulation. Highly enriched in CB1 receptors and particularly sensitive to cannabinoid effects.