Atlas One · Host Biology · Scale 03 — Molecular

Glutamate

Principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS (~80% of brain synapses). Activates AMPA, NMDA, and kainate ionotropic receptors and mGluR1–8 GPCRs. NMDA-dependent LTP is the molecular basis of learning; excitotoxicity drives ischemic neuronal death.

Also known as: Glu, L-glutamate, glutamic acid, excitatory amino acid

Scale 03 — MolecularScale
draftStatus
2026-06-04Last Reviewed
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glutamate

Glutamate

Principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS (~80% of brain synapses). Activates AMPA, NMDA, and kainate ionotropic receptors and mGluR1–8 GPCRs. NMDA-dependent LTP is the molecular basis of learning; excitotoxicity drives ischemic neuronal death.