Excitotoxicity

Excitotoxicity is the process by which apoptosis is triggered in neurons by the overactivation of excitatory neurotransmitter receptors such as the NMDA receptor. Excitotoxins like NMDA and kainic acid which bind to these receptors can cause excitotoxicity, as can pathologically high levels of glutamate. Excitotoxicity may be involved in stroke.