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Activin to the rescue for overexcited neurons

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Overactivation of receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate may be involved in disorders ranging from epilepsy to Alzheimer disease. This destructive pathway may be held in check by basic fibroblast growth factor acting through an intermediary cytokine called activin A (pages 812–815)

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Figure 1: Severe seizures and related types of brain injury, including stroke, induce the production of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by astrocytes and neurons.

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  1. Laboratory of Neurosciences National Institute on Aging Gerontology Research Center, 5600 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, 21224, Maryland, USA

    Mark P. Mattson

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  1. Mark P. Mattson
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Mattson, M. Activin to the rescue for overexcited neurons. Nat Med 6, 739–741 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/77453

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