Background　Proper activation of glutamate receptor (GluR) is necessary for learning and memory. Excessive activation of GluR will have a pathological long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampus area and even appear excitotoxicity(EAA) and neuronal damage which can lead to cognitive impairment.　Objective　To investigate the effect of glutamate(Glu) on the memory in two-way adjustment.　Content　This paper reviewed the application of the content, physiological function, and regulative mechanism of Glu, the species and structure characteristics of GluR, the mechanism that Glu involved in the maintenance of memory, and the process that Glu involved in the excitatory toxicity.　Trend　Both concentration and GluR activity of Glu in the appropriate level is important to the normal operation of nervous system.