Excitatory amino acid agonist

Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists are a class of pharmaceutical drugs that mimic the action of excitatory neurotransmitters in the nervous system. These drugs are used in the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Overview

Excitatory amino acid agonists are compounds that bind to and activate the receptors of excitatory amino acids, the most common of which are glutamate and aspartate. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain and spinal cord.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of excitatory amino acid agonists involves the activation of ionotropic receptors and metabotropic receptors. Ionotropic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that allow the flow of ions across the cell membrane, leading to depolarization and the generation of an action potential. Metabotropic receptors, on the other hand, are G-protein coupled receptors that activate intracellular signaling pathways.

Clinical Uses

Excitatory amino acid agonists have a wide range of clinical applications. They are used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression, and in the management of pain.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, excitatory amino acid agonists can have side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. In rare cases, they can cause serious neurological side effects such as seizures and stroke.

See Also

• Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
• Neurotransmitter
• Neuropharmacology