Glutamate
The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. CB1 receptor activation on glutamatergic neurons reduces glutamate release, contributing to cannabinoids' anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects.
In Depth
Excessive glutamate release causes excitotoxicity — neuronal death from overstimulation — which is implicated in epilepsy, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. CB1 receptor activation on glutamatergic terminals reduces glutamate release, providing neuroprotection and anticonvulsant effects. This mechanism contributes to CBD's efficacy in epilepsy and THC's neuroprotective effects in traumatic brain injury models. The balance between GABA and glutamate modulation determines the net effect of cannabinoids on neuronal excitability.
Related Terms
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.