Excitotoxicity
Definition
Excitotoxicity is a pathological process in which neurons are damaged or killed by excessive stimulation from excitatory neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate. Overactivation of NMDA and AMPA receptors leads to massive calcium influx, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death. Several neuroprotective peptides including Semax, PE-22-28, and Cerebrolysin have demonstrated the ability to attenuate excitotoxic neuronal damage in preclinical models.
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Semax
An in-depth review of Semax, a synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog, examining its nootropic properties, BDNF and NGF upregulation, neuroprotective mechanisms, and applications in cognitive enhancement research.
Read monographCerebrolysin
A detailed research review of Cerebrolysin, a porcine brain-derived neuropeptide preparation with neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties studied in stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and TBI.
Read monographRelated Studies
Antidepressant-like and antistress effects of Semax in rats subjected to chronic unpredictable stress
Inozemtseva LS, Karpenko EA, Dolotov OV, et al. · European Journal of Pharmacology (2024)
Cerebrolysin reduces astrogliosis and axonal injury and enhances neurogenesis in rats after closed head injury
Zhang Y, Chopp M, Zhang ZG, et al. · Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair (2019)
Cerebrolysin: a multi-target drug for recovery after stroke
Brainin M · Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics (2018)
The pharmacology of neurotrophic treatment with Cerebrolysin: brain protection and repair to counteract pathologies of acute and chronic neurological disorders
Masliah E, Díez-Tejedor E · Drugs of Today (2012)