Neuronal exocytotic release of glutamate at synapses involves a highly specialized
vesicular apparatus, consisting of a variety of proteins connected to the vesicles or required
for vesicular fusion to the presynaptic membrane. Astrocytes also release glutamate, and
recent evidence indicates that this release can modify neuronal function. Several
mechanisms have been proposed for astrocytic release of glutamate under pathological
conditions, such as reversal of glutamate transporters and opening of volume sensitive ion …