Changes in the state of neuronal membrane Na, K-ATPase in epileptic foci induced by penicillin in the rat cortex

Abstract

Correlation between electrophysiological changes and the state of neuronal membrane Na, K-ATPase in the rat cerebral cortex was studied in epileptic foci induced by application of the sodium salt of penicillin. During the latent period and at the stage of formation of the epileptic foci, Na, K-ATPase activity was shown to be inhibited both in the primary focus and in the contralateral symetrical region. In the stage of marked paroxysmal activity Na, K-ATPase activity was inhibited only in the primary focus. In concentrations of 2·10−6–2·10−3 M, penicillin was shown not to affect Na, K-ATPase of unpurified rat cerebral cortical synaptosomes. It is suggested that inactivation of Na, K-ATPase may be a pathogenetic factor in the development of epileptic activity.