Birmingham B15 2TT One common mechanism of neurotoxic damage involves overexcitation of the neurone via ionotropic glutamate receptors, especially those of the NMDA and AMPA subtypes. This enzyme can exist in three isoforms, neuronal NOS, and inducible NOS, which is induced in degenerating neurones.
Free radicals can activate intracellular enzyme cascades which lead to cell damage or death.
Demonstration, by in situ techniques, of teh latered experssion of a number of components of the pathways involved in excitotoxic cell damage, can be used as an index of neurodegeneration in the spinal cord. The altered expression of receptor subtypes and NOS isoforms may be appropriate indicators of degeneration in a variety of neuronal types which are susceptible to excitotoxic damage. Demonstration, by in situ techniques, of the altered expression of a number of components of the pathways involved in excitotoxic cell damage, can be used as an index of neurodegeneration in the spinal cord. The altered expression of receptor subtypes and NOS isoforms may be appropriate indicators of degeneration in a variety of neuronal types which are susceptible to excitotoxic damage.