Glutamate receptors in neuronal and immune system cells

Abstract

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