Neurotoxicity of ammonia and glutamate: molecular mechanisms and prevention

Ammonia is a main factor in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. We found that acute ammonia toxicity is mediated by activation of NMDA receptors. Chronic moderate hyperammonemia prevents acute ammonia toxicity in rats. Chronic exposure of cultured neurons to 1 mM ammonia leads to impaired response of the NMDA receptor to activation by its agonists (due to decreased protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation) and prevents glutamate (Glu) neurotoxicity. Compounds that prevent ammonia toxicity in mice (e.g. carnitine) also prevent Glu toxicity in cultured neurons. These compounds did not prevent activation of NMDA receptor or the rise of Ca2+. They interfered with subsequent steps in the toxic process. The protective effect of carnitine is mediated by activation of metabotropic Glu receptors. Agonists of mGluRs, especially of mGluR5, prevent Glu toxicity. Agonists of muscarinic receptors also prevent Glu toxicity and there seems to be an interplay between muscarinic and metabotropic Glu receptors in the protective effect. We have tried to identify intracellular events involved in the process of neuronal death. It is known that the rise of Ca2+ is an essential step. Glu leads to depletion of ATP; some compounds (e.g. carnitine) prevent Glu-induced neuronal death without preventing ATP depletion: additional events are required for neuronal death. Glu induces activation of Na+/K+-ATPase, which could be involved in the toxic process. Inhibitors of protein kinase C, calcineurin or nitric oxide synthase prevent Glu toxicity. Our results indicate that Glu toxicity can be prevented at different steps or by activating receptors coupled to the transduction pathways interfering with the toxic process. Agents acting on these steps could prevent excitotoxicity in vivo in animals.