A Novel Neuronal Cell Protecting Substance, Aestivophoenin C, Produced by Streptomyces purpeofuscus.

The excitatory neurotransmitter, L-glutamate plays a critical role in the neuronal injury that results from cerebral ischemia or head trauma. Following either of these insults the concentration of extracellular L-glutamate is elevated, and then this event induces many processes including an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, hyperkalemia, activation of proteases, synthesis of nitric oxide and production of reactive oxygen species1-3). These processes finally trigger