EXCITOTOXINS Meaning and
Definition
-
Excitotoxins refer to a class of chemical substances that, when present in high concentrations, overstimulate nerve cells or neurons and cause damage or cell death. These substances are usually found in food additives, environmental toxins, and certain drugs. Excitotoxicity occurs when there is an excessive release of neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate, which leads to prolonged neuronal activation and subsequent cell damage.
The term "excitotoxin" is derived from the combination of "excitatory" and "toxin," indicating its ability to excessively excite neurons and cause harm. Excitotoxins act on specific receptors called NMDA receptors, which are involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability. When activated beyond normal levels, these receptors trigger a cascade of events leading to an imbalance in calcium ions and the production of harmful reactive oxygen species.
Excitotoxicity has been linked to various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and stroke. Symptoms of excitoxic damage may include seizures, migraines, cognitive impairments, and even cell death in severe cases.
Common examples of excitotoxins include monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame (an artificial sweetener), and certain food preservatives. These substances are widely used in the food industry to enhance flavors, prolong shelf life, or reduce calorie content. However, excessive intake or exposure to excitotoxins has raised concerns about their potential neurotoxic effects.
In conclusion, excitotoxins are substances that, when present in excessive amounts, overstimulate nerve cells, disrupt normal neuronal activity, and lead to cell damage or death. The understanding of excitotoxicity is essential in assessing potential risks associated with certain food additives and environmental toxins, as well as
Common Misspellings for EXCITOTOXINS
- wxcitotoxins
- sxcitotoxins
- dxcitotoxins
- rxcitotoxins
- 4xcitotoxins
- 3xcitotoxins
- ezcitotoxins
- eccitotoxins
- edcitotoxins
- escitotoxins
- exxitotoxins
- exvitotoxins
- exfitotoxins
- exditotoxins
- excutotoxins
- excjtotoxins
- excktotoxins
- excototoxins
- exc9totoxins
- exc8totoxins
Etymology of EXCITOTOXINS
The word "excitotoxins" is a compound word that combines "excitotoxic" and "toxins".
The term "excitotoxic" originates from the Greek word "excito", meaning "to incite" or "to stimulate", and the English word "toxic", which refers to something poisonous or harmful. It was first coined by two scientists, Dr. John Olney and Dr. George Lucas, in the late 1960s to describe a specific mechanism by which certain substances can harm brain cells (neurons).
The word "toxin" comes from the Latin word "toxicum", meaning "poison". It refers to any harmful substance, often of biological origin, that can lead to adverse effects on living organisms.
Therefore, "excitotoxins" refers to substances or compounds that have the ability to excessively stimulate neurons and potentially cause damage or death to these cells.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
