FIG. 6.

Model of SV-induced glutamate release. SV infection decreases cellular Na⁺K⁺-ATPase activity, increases intracellular Na⁺ concentrations, and causes membrane depolarization. The opening of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels may allow entry of toxic levels of Ca²⁺ and induce cellular lysis with direct release of glutamate. Excess glutamate activates glutamate receptors on neighboring neurons, leading to the excitotoxic death of both infected and uninfected cells. Glutamate receptor blockade would protect both infected and uninfected cells from bystander death. The open circles at cell membranes indicate SV-infected cells.