The efficiency of glutamate uptake differs between neonatal and adult cortical microvascular endothelial cells.

Glutamate transporters (excitatory amino-acid transporters (EAATs)) are essential for brain homeostasis. While previous studies indicate that the vascular endothelium contributes to glutamate efflux in the adult brain, little information is available regarding glutamate uptake in the immature brain. The present study shows a differential expression pattern of EAATs between cortical microvessels in adults and newborns.