Abstract
Glutamate and its synthetic analogues N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), kainate, and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) are potent dilator agents in the cerebral circulation. The close linkage between neural activity-based release and actions of glutamate on neurons and the related decrease in cerebral vascular resistance is a classic example in support of the concept of tight coupling between increased neural activity and cerebral blood flow. However, mechanisms involved in promoting cerebral vasodilator responses to glutamatergic agents are controversial. Here we review the development and current status of this important field of research especially in respect to cerebrovascular responses to NMDA receptor activation.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cerebral Arteries / drug effects
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Cerebral Arteries / metabolism*
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Cerebral Cortex / blood supply*
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Cerebral Cortex / metabolism*
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Cerebrovascular Circulation / drug effects
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Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology*
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Cortical Spreading Depression / drug effects
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Cortical Spreading Depression / physiology
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Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists / pharmacology
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Glutamic Acid / metabolism
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Humans
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N-Methylaspartate / pharmacology*
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Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / agonists
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Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism
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Vasodilation / drug effects
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Vasodilation / physiology*
Substances
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Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists
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Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
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Glutamic Acid
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N-Methylaspartate