As a consequence of glutamate receptor activation,
influx of calcium ions occurs, followed passively
by the entry of chloride ions and water (Choi, 1988). The
intracellular calcium concentration is very tightly regulated
and even small variations result in the neuron’s commitment
to apoptosis (Orrenius et al., 2003). The increased influx of
calcium ions via the NMDA channel in neurons is believed
to play an essential role in the pathogenic mechanisms of
excitotoxic cell death (Choi, 1994).