Synaptosomal glutamate uptake in a model of experimental cerebral ischemia

In the present investigation we studied the synaptosomal uptake of glutamate in brain omogenate of Mongolian gerbils submitted to bilateral common carotid occlusion, with and without subsequent return of blood flow. The results show that glutamate uptake after ischemia is reduced by about 35%. The damage appears to be persistent, since return of blood flow restores uptake only slightly. The membrane alterations occurring in ischemia could explain the persistence of glutamate transporter impairment. Besides the blockade of NMDA receptors, the stimulation and/or the protection of the uptake systems for glutamate could be of help in preventing neuronal ischemic damage.