Lglutamové

L-glutamate is the L-isomer of the amino acid glutamic acid. In biology, it is a significant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of invertebrates and vertebrates. It plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, memory, and learning. Glutamate is synthesized from glutamine by the enzyme glutaminase. It is released from presynaptic neurons and binds to specific receptors on postsynaptic neurons, causing depolarization and excitation. After binding, glutamate is cleared from the synaptic cleft by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) on neurons and glial cells.

Glutamate is also a key component of proteins and has various metabolic functions. It is involved in the urea cycle and the synthesis of other amino acids. In the food industry, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common flavor enhancer, which is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals report sensitivity to MSG, experiencing symptoms like headaches and flushing. Research into glutamate's neurotoxicity suggests that excessive levels can lead to excitotoxicity, a process implicated in neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the precise roles and regulation of glutamate signaling is an active area of neuroscience research.