How the neurotransmitter glutamate affects nerve signal transmission after chronic alcohol exposure and during withdrawal


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This picture displays how the neurotransmitter glutamate affects nerve signal transmission after chronic alcohol exposure and during withdrawal

Actions of the brain’s glutamate system. After chronic alcohol exposure and during withdrawal, glutamate release at the synapse is enhanced and the number of synaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-proprionic acid receptors (AMPARs) is increased. As a result, glutamate induces excessive activity of the postsynaptic neuron.

SOURCE: Clapp, P.; Bhave, S.V.; and Hoffman, P.L. How adaptation of the brain to alcohol leads to dependence: A pharmacological perspective. Alcohol Research & Health 31(4):310–339, 2008.

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Updated: October 2009

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