Altered time course of changes in the hippocampal concentration of excitatory and inhibitory amino acids during kainate-induced epilepsy

Ferdinando Nicoletti, Vincenzo Perciavalle, Sabina Berretta, Carmela Speciale, Maria Cristina Polizzi, Francesco Patti, Domenico De Simone, Maria Angela Sortino, Rosa Maria Di Giorgio, Umberto Scapagnini

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The temporal sequence of electrophysiological and biochemical correlates of epilepsy induced by systematic injection of kainic acid (15 mg/kg i.p.) was investigated in male rats. A significant decrease in the hippocampal concentration of glutamate and aspartate was observed 20 min after the injection. These decreases preceded both electrographic and behavioral manifestations of epilepsy, thus suggesting a causal relationship between acidic amino acid changes and the genesis of kainate-induced hyperactivity. About 30-45 min after kainate injection, a decrease in glutamate, aspartate, glycine and taurine and no change in GABA concentration were observed. Bioelectrical activity, recorded in the regio inferior (CA3) of the hippocampus or in the fascia dentata revealed the presence of high frequency bursts separated by a long-lasting depression of discharge. About 55-75 min after the injection, the number of spikes in each burst increased and the duration and frequency of interictal pauses decreased. This stage was characterized by a decrease in glutamate and aspartate, restoration to normal of glutamine, glycine and taurine and a decrease in GABA.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)133-137
Number of pages5
JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology
Volume103
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 3 1984

Keywords

  • Amino acids
  • Epilepsy
  • Hippocampus
  • Kainic acid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

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