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Modeling Of Ambient Glutamate Concentration Measurement In The Mammalian Nervous System, Denis M. Shchepakin, Michael Kavanaugh, Leonid Kalachev

Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

A neuron is an electrically excitable cell that processes and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. Neurons connect and pass signals to other cells through the structure called synapse. We focus on synapses through which the signals are transferred by signaling molecules called neurotransmitters. One of the predominant excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system of the mammals, including humans, is glutamate. It is directly or indirectly involved in most brain functions. However, the excessive stimulation of the glutamate receptors is toxic to neurons, therefore it is important to rapidly clear the glutamate from the extra-cellular space and keep …