Abstract
Ethanol-induced neuroapoptosis in the developing brain has been suggested to involve suppression of neuronal activity. However, ethanol acts as a potent stimulant of neuronal activity by increasing the frequency of depolarizing GABA dependent giant depolarizing potentials in the neonatal rat hippocampal slices in vitro. Here, we show that ethanol strongly inhibits, in a dose-dependent manner (1–6 g/kg), sharp waves and multiple unit activity in the hippocampus of neonatal (postnatal days P4–6) rats in vivo. Thus, the effects of ethanol on the developing hippocampal network activity cardinally differ in vitro (stimulation) and in vivo (inhibition).
Highlights
Ethanol and general anesthetics induce massive neuroapoptosis in the developing brain [1, 2]
The electrical activity of the hippocampus was characterized by sharp waves (SPWs) which are the predominant electrographic activity pattern during the early postnatal period (Fig. 1a, b) [7]
Thirty minutes after ethanol administration, SPWs and CA1 multiple unit activity (MUA) were almost completely suppressed that was characterized by the reduction in SPWs frequency and MUA to 7.0 ± 4.8 and 2.3 ± 1.8 % of the control values, respectively (n = 3, p < 0.05, t test)
Summary
Ethanol and general anesthetics induce massive neuroapoptosis in the developing brain [1, 2].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
