Abstract
The effects of magnesium (MgSO 4) on sodium currents (Na + currents) in freshly dissociated rat hippocampal neurons were studied using the whole-cell patch clamp techniques. MgSO 4 caused a concentration-dependent and voltage-dependent reversible decrease of Na + currents. The half-blocking concentration (IC 50) of MgSO 4 on Na + currents was 4.05 mM. But the action was frequency-independent. In addition, 4 mM MgSO 4 shifted the steady state activation curve of Na + currents toward positive potential (control V h=−55.83±6.79 mV, MgSO 4 V h=−34.15±6.18 mV, n=8, P≤0.01 without changing the slope factor). However, the steady state inactivation curve was not affected. These results suggested that blockade of MgSO 4 on Na + currents might be an interpretation for its neuroprotection against damages induced by ischemia and oxygen deprivation.
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