This volume provides an overview of glutamate receptors and their role in excitatory neurotransmission. It focusses on three aspects. First, it describes the functional, molecular, and pharmacological propertie s of glutamate receptors (AMPA, NMDA, and kainate receptors). Second, it gives a survey how these receptors are involved in synaptic transmi ssion at different glutamatergic synapses in the mammalian CNS. Finall y, it adresses how overactivation of glutamate receptors can lead to e xcitotoxic cell death, and emphasizes the importance of glutamate rece ptors as potential therapeutical targets. The chapters, written by lea ding scientists, give accurate summaries of facets that have emerged r ecently in this field. The book demonstrates the strength of a multidi sciplinary approach involving physiology, pharmacology, and molecular biology. It will be useful for other scientists in and outside the fie ld, lecturers and students at different educational levels.