[High-affinity glutamate transporters and chronic pain]

Abstract

Glutamate serves as a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system and is stored in synaptic cleft by an uptake system that is dependent on the high-affinity glutamate transporters (ETTAs), which locate in the plasma membrane of glial cells and neurons. ETTAs can rapidly terminate the action of glutamate and maintain its normal physiological functions. If the content or function of glutamate transporters is abnormal, it can result in many physiological dysfunctions. Studies have demonstrated that high-affinity glutamate transporters play an important role in the development of chronic pain, which might be a new therapeutic target for the pain.