During an ischemic stroke, glutamate excitotoxicity can severely damage neurons. Which mechanism best explains how excessive glutamate action leads to neuronal death?

💡 Explanation

Glutamate excitotoxicity results from excessive stimulation of glutamate receptors, leading to a large influx of calcium ions into the neuron. This triggers various cytotoxic cascades, because calcium overload activates enzymes that damage cellular structures, therefore causing neuronal death, rather than ATP reduction or chloride influx.

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