What is glutamate?

Glutamate is an amino acid usually acting as a neurotransmitter at the NDMA receptor. It is released by neurones in the brain and plays an important role in learning and memory. It exists in over 90% of all brain synapses and its amounts must be carefully regulated as it is essential for normal brain function. Too much glutamate can cause overexcitation of nerve cells which is toxic and can cause these cells to die.

Dysfunction of glutamate in the brain may play a role in depression.