Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a recognized
cause of cell injury. In contrast to such well recognized cell injury,
oxidative stress plays a role in cell proliferation, differentiation
and tumor promotion. This review examines the role of oxidative stress
in initiating and promoting the establishment of normal or abnormal n
euronal patterns and subsequent neurogenesis within the central and pe
ripheral nervous system. In particular, the role of apoptosis in both
normal and abnormal neuronal development and maturation will be examin
ed with especial reference to the induction of apoptotic cell death fo
llowing abusive ligand-induced ion movements. The interaction of oxida
nt stress and immediate-early response gene activation is discussed wi
th further reference to the induction of apoptosis. While glutamate re
ceptor activation appears mandatory for coordinate maturation and neur
itogenesis, such neuronal survival and differentiation is intimately d
ependent upon the intracellular glutathione redox potential, maintaine
d by cystine uptake. Selected examples of reactive oxygen species indu
ced injury pertaining to developmental neurotoxicology are presented a
nd include starvation, irradiation injury and glutamate excitotoxicity
. (C) 1994 Intox Press, Inc.