Intracellular Calcium and Neuronal Death

The connection between calcium and neuronal death is twofold. On the one hand, neuronal survival and functioning are sustained by synaptic activity and thus glutamate-mediated excitatory neurotransmission and depolarization, which is associated with calcium influx and its functions as a second messenger. On the other hand, calcium is a key contributor to excitotoxic neuronal death, which is supposed to be involved in stroke and a number of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. In this article, we take a closer look at the molecular events in neurons taking place in these scenarios and evaluate the evidence supporting either concept as relevant in the regulation of CNS function in later stages of life.