Ethanol inhibits epileptiform activity and NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in rat amygdaloid slices

Conference · Wed Feb 26 00:00:00 EST 1992 · FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States)

OSTI ID:7206281

Gean, P W ^[1]

---

1. Cheng-Kung Univ., Tainan (Taiwan)

The effect of ethanol on the epileptiform activity induced by Mg{sup ++}-free solution was studied in rat amygdalar slices using intracellular recording techniques. The spontaneous and evoked epileptiform discharges consisting of an initial burst followed by afterdischarges were observed 20-30 min after switching to Mg{sup ++}-free medium. Superfusion with ethanol reversibly reduced the duration of spontaneous and evoked bursting discharges in a concentration-dependent manner. Synaptic response mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation was isolated by application of a solution containing the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) and either in Mg{sup ++}-free solution or in the presence of 50 {mu}M bicuculline. Application of ethanol reversibly suppressed the duration of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic response. These results suggest that intoxicating concentrations of ethanol possess anticonvulsant activity through blocking the NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic excitation.

• OSTI ID: 7206281
• Report Number(s): CONF-9204141-; CODEN: FAJOE
• Journal Information: FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology); (United States), Vol. 6:4; Conference: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) meeting, Anaheim, CA (United States), 5-9 Apr 1992; ISSN 0892-6638
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ASPARTIC ACID
RECEPTORS
ETHANOL
TOXICITY
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
INHIBITION
METABOLISM
NERVE CELLS
RATS
ALCOHOLS
AMINO ACIDS
ANIMAL CELLS
ANIMALS
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
MAMMALS
MEMBRANE PROTEINS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROTEINS
RODENTS
SOMATIC CELLS
VERTEBRATES
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology