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Glutamate induced astroglial swelling--methods and mechanisms
E Hansson1, F Blomstrand, S Khatibi
1Department of Neurology, Göteborg University, Sweden.
Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplement
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Glutamate (Glu) causes brain cell swelling by activating metabotropic Glu receptors (mGluRs). This swelling impacts neuroactive substances and involves specific ion transporters, offering insights into brain injury mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Glutamate (Glu) is crucial in early brain injury from stroke or trauma.
- Glu-induced astroglial swelling alters extracellular neuroactive substances.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of metabotropic Glu receptors (mGluRs) in Glu-induced astroglial swelling.
- Identify ion transport mechanisms involved in this swelling process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fura-2/AM fluorescence changes at the isosbestic point to measure intracellular volume.
- Employed image processing techniques for relative cell volume calculations.
- Simultaneously detected cell volume and intracellular calcium in single astroglial cells.
Main Results:
- Confirmed Glu induces astroglial cell swelling via mGluR interaction.
- Indicated involvement of the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter, Na(+)-K(+) ATPase, and Na(+)-dependent Glu carrier.
- Demonstrated reliable methods for quantifying astroglial cell volume changes.
Conclusions:
- Metabotropic Glu receptors mediate glutamate-induced astroglial swelling.
- Specific ion transporters are implicated in the pathogenesis of brain injury swelling.
- Developed and validated novel techniques for studying astroglial cell volume dynamics.