Glutamate. By: Sascha Ridgewell, Hannah Straughan, Hunter Scripture, Caitlyn Wibbels, & Angelina Sutton

Transcription

1 Glutamate By: Sascha Ridgewell, Hannah Straughan, Hunter Scripture, Caitlyn Wibbels, & Angelina Sutton

2 Glutamate...What is it? The most important neurotransmitter for normal brain function. Nearly all excitatory neurons in the central nervous system are glutamatergic. Elevated concentration of extracellular glutamate, released because of neural injury, are toxic to neurons.

3 Monosodium Glutamate Sodium salt of glutamic acid Found in tomatoes, potatoes, mushrooms, and as an addition to Chinese food. Enhances flavor of food Dangerous because it is an excitotoxin, it over excites cells to the point of damage or death Triggers or worsens learning disabilities, Alzheimer s, Parkinson s, and ALS.

4 Many diseases can potentially be cured through funding for the research and development of an artificial glutamate neuron...

5 Alzheimer's Alzheimer's neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The neurological basis for this tragic disease comes from the imbalance of neurotransmitters such as Glutamate. It has been studied that the change in these neurotransmitters spans from the reuptake of neurotransmitters by vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). Reduced VGLUTs can contribute to the alteration of glutamatergic recycling which may eventually exacerbate depressive Alzheimer s symptoms. On a worldwide scale, nearly 4.4 million individuals suffer from Alzheimer s disease or a form of Dementia. Even more worrisome, only 1 in 4 people with the disease have been diagnosed. This disease is costly emotionally and financially. The U.S is said to spend over $226 billion on care in 2015 alone. By implementing glutamate as an artificial neurotransmitter, individual lives can be saved and financials can be put to use finding a cure, instead of covering care cost.

6 Glutamate s Role in Alzheimer s The Glutamate neuron is distressed and deficient, causing Alzheimer's disease. This deficiency causes damage to the Glutamate uptake protein as well as the Glutamatergic neuron.

7 Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a serious and longlasting disorder. People with schizophrenia often have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary. It can also cause disordered thinking, delusions, and hallucinations. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies show that brain glutamatergic neurotransmission is altered in schizophrenia which may affect symptom expression. Schizophrenia affects about 1 in every 100 people in the United States. Materials v=dawkzgugd7s

8 Parkinson s Disease Parkinson s Disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder of the nervous system. Currently has no cure, but treatment can help. Common disease 200,000 to 3 million US cases per year. Glutamate acts as a neurotoxin in impaired cellular energy metabolism and contributes to the development of Parkinson s Disease. Abnormal glutamatergic neurotransmission patterns are important for the symptoms of Parkinson s Disease. The involvement of a glutamatergic system in the development and symptoms of Parkinson s Disease provides potential targets for therapeutic intervention in Parkinson s.

9 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Neurological disease that attacks the upper (Brain) and lower (Spinal Cord) motor neurons causing them to degenerate The neurons control communication from the brain to the voluntary muscles. As the neurons die, the brain loses control over voluntary movement. With the degeneration of the nerve cells, muscles begin to fasciculate (twitch), weaken, and waste away. Once the diaphragm and chest walls fail, respiratory problems begin. More than 12,000 people in the U.S are affected, and 90% die 3-5 years after their diaphragm and chest walls fail. Over exposure to Glutamate is a theory in the cause of ALS In regulating Glutamate exposure, ALS may be prevented or even cured with ALS victims.

10 The motor neurons that die from excess glutamate are located in the brain and in the spinal cord. They affect the muscles, causing them to waste away.

11 Epilepsy Can result from an oversupply of Glutamate. A disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. 200,000 to 3 million cases per year, just in the United States. Cannot be cured. Requires a medical diagnosis: During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behavior, symptoms, and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. There are few symptoms between seizures. People may experience: Muscular: muscle twitch or muscle spasms Cognitive: amnesia or mental confusion Sensory: aura or pins and needles Whole body: fainting or fatigue Psychological: depression or fear Also common: seizures, anxiety, headache, sleepiness, staring spells, or temporary paralysis after a seizure

12 THANK YOU!