Abstract

Epileptic afterdischarges (ADs) elicited by electrical stimulation of sensorimotor cortical area were used as a model to study the role of neurotransmitter systems in cortical seizures in three age groups of developing rats. Drugs augmenting inhibition mediated by GABAA receptors were found to suppress ADs in all age groups, their activity was usually more marked in younger than in 25-day-old rat pups. Drugs potentiating GABAB receptors exhibit lower efficacy and more complicated developmental profile than GABAA-ergic drugs. Effects of an antagonist of GABAB receptor--marked prolongation of ADs in all three age groups--suggest an important role of GABAB receptors in arrest of cortical seizures. Drugs affecting glutamate receptors exhibit variable effects, usually better expressed in older animals than in 12-day-old ones. No specific role for ionotropic as well as metabotropic glutamate receptors could be predicted. Activation of adenosinergic inhibitory modulatory system also exhibited anticonvulsant action in the present model. All three neurotransmitter systems probably participate in mechanisms of generation, maintenance and arrest of cortical seizures.

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.