Ghrelin protects spinal cord motoneurons against chronic glutamate-induced excitotoxicity via ERK1/2 and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3β pathways

►We examine the protective effect of ghrelin against THA-induced motoneuron death. ►Ghrelin protects spinal cord motoneurons from THA-induced excitotoxicity. ►Ghrelin protects motoneurons via the activation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways. ►Ghrelin also inactivates Akt effector GSK-3β in motoneurons. ►Ghrelin may have a therapeutic effect in the prevention of motoneuron death in ALS.