Neurotoxicity: A complex multistage process involving different mechanisms

Abstract

Neurotoxicity is defined as alterations causing physical damage or disruption in functions of the cells (neurons, glial cells) of the nervous system. There are several mechanisms by which neurotoxic processes take place. These include high concentrations of glutamate and/or calcium ions, increased oxidative damage, and reactive species (RS) such as free radicals, mechanisms linked to execution of apoptosis, glial dysfunction injury, and/or genetic-epigenetic defects in protein clearance. Each of these mechanisms reciprocally modulates their own actions and is capable of neuronal cell death followed by nervous system dysfunction.