Abstract

Glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), plays important role in brain physiological and pathological events. Quinolinic acid (QA) is a glutamatergic agent that induces seizures and is involved in the etiology of epilepsy. Guanine-based purines (GBPs) (guanosine and GMP) have been shown to exert neuroprotective effects against glutamatergic excitotoxic events. In this study, the influence of QA and GBPs on synaptosomal glutamate release and uptake in rats was investigated. We had previously demonstrated that QA "in vitro" stimulates synaptosomal L-[3H]glutamate release. In this work, we show that i.c.v. QA administration induced seizures in rats and was able to stimulate synaptosomal L-[3H]glutamate release. This in vivo neurochemical effect was prevented by i.p. guanosine only when this nucleoside prevented QA-induced seizures. I.c.v. QA did not affect synaptosomal L-[3H]glutamate uptake. These data provided new evidence on the role of QA and GBPs on glutamatergic system in rat brain.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.