Abstract
L-Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. It contributes not only to fast synaptic neurotransmission but also to complex physiological processes like plasticity, learning and memory. To terminate the action of glutamate and maintain its extracellular concentration below excitotoxic levels, glutamate is quickly removed by Na+-dependent glutamate transporters (EAATs). The glutamate/neutral amino acid transporter family consists of five EAATs (EAAT1-5) and two Na+-dependent neutral amino acid transporters (ASCT1-2). Here we focus on the structure and function of these transporters as well as on the indispensable pharmacological tool, such as a substrates and blockers, to clarify the physiological function of the transporter family.
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