Neuroendocrine Control of Hyperglutamatergic States in Brain Pathologies: the Effects of Glucocorticoids

Abstract

Neuroendocrine control mediated by glucocorticoids is important for maintaining the normal functioning of the brain and the balance between the excitation and inhibition systems. Glucocorticoids regulate the state of the brain glutamatergic system both directly, through receptors on glutamatergic synapses, and indirectly. The dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and its inability to optimally regulate glutamatergic synaptic plasticity leads to the development of neuropsychiatric diseases, while hyperglutamatergic conditions can play a key role in their pathogenesis. Impaired glucocorticoid control of glutamatergic processes underlies cognitive and emotional disorders, epilepsy and a number of other cerebral pathologies, being a common mechanism for the development of many brain diseases and their comorbidities. In this regard, the study of the mechanisms of interaction between the HPA axis and brain glutamatergic system is of priority translational significance.