Neurotransmitters

Glutamate is an excitatory relative of GABA.  It is the most common neurotransmitter in the central nervous system - as much as half of all neurons in the brain - and is especially important in regards to memory.  Curiously, glutamate is actually toxic to neurons, and an excess will kill them.  Sometimes brain damage or a stroke will lead to an excess and end with many more brain cells dying than from the original trauma.  ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, results from excessive glutamate production.  Many believe it may also be responsible for quite a variety of diseases of the nervous system, and are looking for ways to minimize its effects

Neurotransmitters