Astrocytes protect neurons against excitotoxicity by taking up excess ammonia and glutamate.

Microglia are specialized macrophages capable of phagocytosis that protect neurons of the central nervous system.

MK-801 has shown effectiveness in protecting neurons in cell culture and animal models of excitotoxic neurodegeneration.

"My guess is that it's there to protect neurons when they are developing and proliferating," he said.

Researchers are investigating supplements or other substances that may protect neurons from the damage of Parkinson's, but it is too soon to say whether they work.

For example, he showed that Ex-4 can protect neurons from being damaged and killed by Abeta.

Epo was shown to specifically protect dopaminergic neurons, which are closely tied in to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

These findings indicated that at least under certain circumstances, autoimmune activity could exert a beneficial effect by protecting injured neurons from the spread of damage.

Peroxynitrite has been correlated with the axons degeneration and its removal can protect neurons from further damage after an attack.

A potent antioxidant, vitamin E may help protect neurons or nerve cells.