Affect on Glutamate Function (~>.2 BAC)

• Glutamate is major excitatory neurotransmitter

• Inhibits glutamate receptor function

• Impaired Glutamate Receptor Function Causes:

  • cognitive impairment and amnesia
  • inability to learn new information

• Alcohol parallels action of PCP or “angel dust”

SOURCE: Eighth Special Report to the US Congress on Alcohol and Health, US Dept. of HHS (1993), p 86-94

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