Role of mitochondria in the mechanisms of glutamate toxicity

Current data on glutamate-induced functional and morphological changes in mitochondria correlating with or being a result of their membrane potential changes are reviewed. The important role of Ca2+, Na+, and H+ in the potentiation of such changes is considered. It is assumed that glutamate-induced loss of mitochondrial potential is mediated by Ca2+ overload resulting in the induction of nonspecific permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane.