Accumulation Of Excitatory Amino Acids Research Articles

Effect of ACEA 1021 on Neurotoxicity Induced by Dexamethasone — Initial Behavioral Study

Considerable evidence suggests that glucocorticoids (GCs) play an important role in neurodegeneration. Chronic elevated levels of GCs can result in neuronal degeneration of the hippocampal piramidal neurons, which are paralleled by cognitive deficits. Moreover, GCs potentiate stress or ischemia-induced accumulation of excitatory amino acids (EAA) in the extracellular space of hippocampus. ACEA 1021 (licostinel), a selective antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, has been reported to prevent the excitotoxic action of high extracellular glutamate levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ACEA 1021 on neurotoxic effect of dexamethasone (DEX - a synthetic GCs receptor agonist). The experiments were carried out on Albino Swiss mice (25-30 g). ACEA 1021, at the doses: 1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg/day, ip, was administered 15 min before DEX (16 mg/kg/day, ip). The long-term memory acquisition (passive avoidance test) and the motor performance (“chimney” test) were evaluated 14 days after the drugs administration. The prolongation of climbing time in the “chimney” test and decrease of the retention time in the memory task of mice treated with DEX for 14 days. In mice treated with DEX for 14 days, ACEA 1021 at the both doses reduced the climbing time in the “chimney” test, at the dose of 1.25 mg/kg improved memory acquisition. The above findings suggest that ACEA 1021 could prevent the neurotoxic effects induced by DEX, but further study needs to be carried out to explain this effect.

Neuronal Loss of the Glutamate Transporter GLT-1 Promotes Excitotoxic Injury in the Hippocampus.

GLT-1, the major glutamate transporter in the mammalian central nervous system, is expressed in presynaptic terminals that use glutamate as a neurotransmitter, in addition to astrocytes. It is widely assumed that glutamate homeostasis is regulated primarily by glutamate transporters expressed in astrocytes, leaving the function of GLT-1 in neurons relatively unexplored. We generated conditional GLT-1 knockout (KO) mouse lines to understand the cell-specific functions of GLT-1. We found that stimulus-evoked field extracellular postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) recorded in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were normal in the astrocytic GLT-1 KO but were reduced and often absent in the neuronal GLT-1 KO at 40 weeks. The failure of fEPSP generation in the neuronal GLT-1 KO was also observed in slices from 20 weeks old mice but not consistently from 10 weeks old mice. Using an extracellular FRET-based glutamate sensor, we found no difference in stimulus-evoked glutamate accumulation in the neuronal GLT-1 KO, suggesting a postsynaptic cause of the transmission failure. We hypothesized that excitotoxicity underlies the failure of functional recovery of slices from the neuronal GLT-1 KO. Consistent with this hypothesis, the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK801, when present in the ACSF during the recovery period following cutting of slices, promoted full restoration of fEPSP generation. The inclusion of an enzymatic glutamate scavenging system in the ACSF conferred partial protection. Excitotoxicity might be due to excess release or accumulation of excitatory amino acids, or to metabolic perturbation resulting in increased vulnerability to NMDA receptor activation. Previous studies have demonstrated a defect in the utilization of glutamate by synaptic mitochondria and aspartate production in the synGLT-1 KO in vivo, and we found evidence for similar metabolic perturbations in the slice preparation. In addition, mitochondrial cristae density was higher in synaptic mitochondria in the CA1 region in 20–25 weeks old synGLT-1 KO mice in the CA1 region, suggesting compensation for loss of axon terminal GLT-1 by increased mitochondrial efficiency. These data suggest that GLT-1 expressed in presynaptic terminals serves an important role in the regulation of vulnerability to excitotoxicity, and this regulation may be related to the metabolic role of GLT-1 expressed in glutamatergic axon terminals.

Combined therapy in neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy

Neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy due to the lack of oxygen at birth can have severe neurological consequences, such as cerebral palsy, or even the death of the asphyxiated newborn. Hypothermia is currently the only therapy included in intensive care neonatal units. This shows a clinical benefit in neonates suffering from hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, mainly because of its ability to decrease the accumulation of excitatory amino acids and its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. However, hypothermia is not effective in half of the cases, making it necessary to search for new, or to optimize current therapies, with the aim on reducing asphyxia-derived neurological consequences, either as single treatments or in combination with cooling. Within current potential therapies, melatonin, allopurinol, and erythropoietin stand out among the others, with clinical trials on the way. While, stem cells, N-acetylcysteine and noble gases have obtained promising pre-clinical results. Melatonin produces a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, acting as free radical scavenger and regulating pro-inflammatory mediators. Through the inhibition of xanthine oxidase, allopurinol can decrease oxidative stress. Erythropoietin has cell death and neurogenesis as its main therapeutic targets. Keeping in mind the whole scenario of current therapies, management of neonates suffering from neonatal asphyxia could rely on the combination of one or some of these treatments, together with therapeutic hypothermia.

Extracellular amino acids and lipid peroxidation products in periventricular white matter during and after cerebral ischemia in preterm fetal sheep

It is widely hypothesized that accumulation of excitatory amino acids, and oxygen free radicals during or after exposure to hypoxia-ischemia play a pivotal role in preterm periventricular white matter injury; however, there is limited evidence in the intact brain. In preterm fetal sheep (0.65 gestation; term 147 days) we found no significant increase in extracellular levels of excitatory amino acids measured by microdialysis in the periventricular white matter during cerebral ischemia induced by bilateral carotid occlusion. There was no significant change in 8-isoprostane or malondialdehyde levels in the early phase of recovery after occlusion. In contrast, there was a significant delayed increase in most amino acids and in malondialdehyde (but not 8-isoprostane) that was maximal approximately 2-3 days after occlusion. The increase in glutamate was significantly correlated with a secondary increase in cortical impedance, an index of cytotoxic edema, and with white matter damage 3 days post-insult. In conclusion, no significant accumulation of cytotoxins was found within immature white matter during cerebral ischemia. Although a minority of fetuses showed a delayed increase in some cytotoxins, this occurred many days after ischemia, in association with secondary cytotoxic edema, strongly suggesting that these changes are mainly a consequence of evolving cell death.

Influence of dizocilpine (MK-801) on neurotoxic effect of dexamethasone: Behavioral and histological studies

Elevated levels of endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) or prolonged treatment with high doses of dexamethasone (DEX) or other GCs preparations are frequently associated with psychosis as well as cognitive deficits, such as the impairment of memory and learning. GCs potentiate stress or ischemia-induced accumulation of excitatory amino acids in the extracellular space of hippocampus. The antagonism of glutamate receptors may potentially improve safety profile of therapy with GCs. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of dizocilpine maleate (MK801), non-competitive NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist, on neurotoxic effect of the prolonged treatment with the high dose of DEX. The results showed that DEX (120 mg/kg/day for 7 days) impaired the long-term memory and the motor coordination, reduced the body weight and induced the lethality of mice. The morphological and ultrastructural study have confirmed damage to hippocampal neurons especially in the CA3 region after the prolonged treatment with DEX alone. Damaged pyramidal neurons showed robust changes in the shape of the nucleus and cytoplasm condensation. MK-801 alone (at non-toxic dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day), changed neither the behavior of mice nor morphology of the hippocampal neurons. However, it did not prevent the neurotoxic effects of DEX. On the contrary, it intensified DEX-induced neurotoxicity.

Differential effects of the substrate inhibitor l- trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (PDC) and the non-substrate inhibitor dl-threo-β-benzyloxyaspartate ( dl-TBOA) of glutamate transporters on neuronal damage and extracellular amino acid levels in rat brain in vivo

The extracellular concentration of glutamate is highly regulated by transporter proteins, due to its neurotoxic properties. Dysfunction or reverse activation of these transporters is related to the extracellular accumulation of excitatory amino acids and neuronal damage associated with ischemia and hypoglycemia. We have investigated by microdialysis the effects of the substrate and the non-substrate inhibitors of glutamate transporters, l-trans-2,4-pyrrolidine dicarboxylate (PDC) and dl-threo-β-benzyloxyaspartate ( dl-TBOA), respectively, on the extracellular levels of amino acids in the rat hippocampus in vivo. In addition, we have studied the effect of both inhibitors on neuronal damage after direct administration into the hippocampus and striatum. Electroencephalographic activity was recorded after the intrahippocampal infusion of dl-TBOA or PDC. Microdialysis administration of 500μM dl-TBOA into the hippocampus increased 3.4- and nine-fold the extracellular levels of aspartate and glutamate, respectively. Upon stereotaxic administration it induced neuronal damage dose-dependently in CA1 and dentate gyrus, and convulsive behavior. Electroencephalographic recording showed the appearance of limbic seizures in the hippocampus after dl-TBOA infusion. In the striatum it also induced dose-dependent neuronal damage. These effects were prevented by the i.p. administration of the glutamate receptor antagonists (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydroxy-5 H-dibenzo( a,d)cyclohepten-5,10-iminemaleate and 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo( F)-quinoxaline. In contrast to dl-TBOA, PDC (500μM) induced a more discrete elevation of excitatory amino acids levels (2.6- and three-fold in aspartate and glutamate, respectively), no neuronal damage or behavioral changes, and no alterations in electroencephalographic activity. The differential results obtained with dl-TBOA and PDC might be attributed to their distinct effects on the extracellular concentration of amino acids. Results are relevant to the understanding of the role of glutamate transporters in amino acid removal or release and the induction of excitotoxic cell death.

Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb761) and FK506 Preserve Energy Metabolites in the Striatum during Focal Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion in Gerbils Monitored by Microdialysis

Cell death after cerebral ischemia is mediated by the accumulation of excitatory amino acids, calcium influx into cells and the generation of free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in energy-related metabolites in the striatum of gerbils subjected to focal cerebral ischemia after pretreatment with Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761), a well-known antioxidant, and FK506, a calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin inhibitor. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of the right common carotid artery and the right middle cerebral artery for 60 min. A microdialysis probe was inserted into the right striatum to monitor extracellular glucose, lactate and pyruvate levels. This study showed decreases in glucose (10% of the baseline), pyruvate (20% of the baseline) and lactate (60% of the baseline), and a 5-fold increase in the lactate to pyruvate ratio during ischemia in the control group. Both EGb761 treatment and the combination (EGb761 and FK506) therapy significantly preserved glucose (50% of the baseline) and pyruvate (60% of the baseline) levels during ischemia. The marked increase in the lactate to pyruvate ratio was not observed in the combination group. These results suggest that preservation of cellular energy metabolism during cerebral ischemia and after restoration with reperfusion may contribute to the neuroprotective effects of EGb761 and FK506.

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) and FK506 preserve energy metabolites in the striatum during focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in gerbils monitored by microdialysis.

Cell death after cerebral ischemia is mediated by the accumulation of excitatory amino acids, calcium influx into cells and the generation of free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in energy-related metabolites in the striatum of gerbils subjected to focal cerebral ischemia after pretreatment with Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761), a well-known antioxidant, and FK506, a calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin inhibitor. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of the right common carotid artery and the right middle cerebral artery for 60 min. A microdialysis probe was inserted into the right striatum to monitor extracellular glucose, lactate and pyruvate levels. This study showed decreases in glucose (10% of the baseline), pyruvate (20% of the baseline) and lactate (60% of the baseline), and a 5-fold increase in the lactate to pyruvate ratio during ischemia in the control group. Both EGb761 treatment and the combination (EGb761 and FK506) therapy significantly preserved glucose (50% of the baseline) and pyruvate (60% of the baseline) levels during ischemia. The marked increase in the lactate to pyruvate ratio was not observed in the combination group. These results suggest that preservation of cellular energy metabolism during cerebral ischemia and after restoration with reperfusion may contribute to the neuroprotective effects of EGb761 and FK506.

In Vivo Potentiation of Glutamate-Mediated Neuronal Damage after Chronic Administration of the Glycolysis Inhibitor Iodoacetate

Neuronal damage associated with cerebral ischemia and hypoglycemia might be the consequence of the extracellular accumulation of excitatory amino acids. In previous studies we showed that elevation of glutamate and aspartate extracellular levels by inhibition of its uptake in vivo is not sufficient to induce neuronal damage unless mitochondrial energy metabolism is compromised. In the present study we show that chronic systemic administration of the glycolysis inhibitor iodoacetate (25 mg/kg) induces no damage to the brain per se but enhances neuronal vulnerability to glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity in the hippocampus. Tissue injury is well protected either by antagonizing NMDA glutamate receptors with MK-801 or by administration of pyruvate, a substrate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In contrast to systemic treatment, local infusions through a dialysis probe of 5 mM iodoacetate into the hippocampus induced acute lesions not sensitive to MK-801. Iodoacetate intrahippocampal perfusion induced substantial increases in the extracellular levels of glutamate (3.5-fold), taurine (8.8-fold), and particularly aspartate (35-fold). Neuronal damage under this conditions occurs very rapidly as revealed by the histological analysis of animals transcardially perfused immediately after iodoacetate perfusion. Aspartate might contribute to neuronal damage since intrahippocampal administration of this amino acid (600 nmol/μl) induces extensive lesions. The present study might suggest that impairment of glucose oxidation through the glycolytic pathway in vivo facilitates glutamate neurotoxicity. Additionally, the results indicate that pyruvate might prevent as efficiently as glutamate receptor antagonists glutamate-mediated neuronal damage associated with ischemia/hypoglycemia.

Adenosine A2AReceptors Regulate the Extracellular Accumulation of Excitatory Amino Acids upon Metabolic Dysfunction in Chick Cultured Retinal Cells

The role of endogenous extracellular adenosine as a tonic modulator of the extracellular accumulation of excitatory amino acids (glutamate and aspartate) caused by metabolic inhibition was investigated in cultured retinal cells. The selective adenosine A2Areceptor antagonist, 4-[2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)(1,2,4)-triazin-5-ylamino]-ethyl]phenol (ZM241385) (50nM ), increased the release of glutamate (three- to four-fold) and of aspartate (nearly two-fold) upon iodoacetic acid-induced glycolysis inhibition, in the presence or in the absence of Ca2+. Blockade of tonic activation of A2Areceptors by ZM241385 also increased (nearly two-fold) the ischemia-induced release of glutamate and aspartate. Furthermore, another selective A2Areceptor antagonist, 5-amino-7-(2-phenylethyl)-2-(2-furyl)pyrazolo[4,3- e ]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5- c ]pyrimidine (SCH58261), also increased the release of aspartate and glutamate by about two-fold in cells submitted to glycolysis inhibition. In contrast, the selective adenosine A1receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) (100n M), did not significantly modify the extracellular accumulation of either glutamate or aspartate caused by inducers of chemical ischemia or glycolytic inhibitors. Inhibition of glycolysis also increased (about three-fold) the extracellular accumulation of GABA, which was virtually unchanged by ZM241385. Furthermore, the GABAAreceptor antagonist, bicuculline (10μM), only increased (nearly two-fold) the iodoacetic acid-induced Ca2+-dependent release of glutamate, whereas the GABABreceptor antagonist, 3-aminopropyl(diethoxymethyl) phosphinic acid, CGP35348 (100μM), was devoid of effects on the extracellular accumulation of glutamate and aspartate. These results show that endogenous extracellular adenosine, which rises under conditions of inhibited glycolysis, tonically inhibits the extracellular accumulation of excitatory amino acid through the activation of A2A, but not A1, adenosine receptors, and this effect is independent of GABAAand GABABfunctions in the cultured retinal cells.

Immunohistochemical modifications of vasoactiveneuropeptides and excitatory amino acids in the nervoustissue of the mongolian gerbil after transient cerebralischemia

Modifications in the tissue concentration of vasoactive peptides (Endothelin,Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide, Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) and excitatory amino acids(glutamate, aspartate) were found in the nervous tissue of Mongolian gerbils after transientcerebral ischemia which was induced by unilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery for 30min–4 h. In fact, immunostaining for these peptides was more intense in the ischemic tissue : thegreatest increases of tissue immunoreactivity were observed for Endothelin ; smaller differenceswere found for Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide and Atrial Natriuretic Peptide. Immunostainingfor Neuropeptide Y, another vasoactive neuropeptide, was virtually unchanged. Infarct areas,when present, contained numerous Endothelin-immunoreactive cell bodies. On the contrary, thesame areas were completely void of glutamate- or aspartate-immunostained neurons, normallypresent in the correspondent regions of the control tissue. The present results suggest that severecerebral ischemia is paralleled by an unbalance of local vasoactive factors. The predominance ofvasoconstrictor action of Endothelin might play a major role in the irreversible damage, togetherwith the excitotoxic effect of the extracellular accumulation of excitatory amino acids, probablydue to a leakage from neuronal cell somata, as suggested by the disappearance of glutamate- oraspartate-immunostained neurons.

Alterations in K+ evoked profiles of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator amino acids after focal ischemia-reperfusion

Secondary elevations in extracellular amino acids occur during reperfusion after transient cerebral ischemia. The delayed accumulation of excitatory amino acids may contribute to the progressive development of neuronal injury. In this study, we explored the mechanisms that may be involved in this phenomenon. Microdialysis samples from probes located in rabbit cortex were analysed with a chiral amino acid procedure. Concentrations of neurotransmitters (l-Glu, GABA), N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor modulators (d-Ser, Gly), an inhibitory neuromodulator (Tau), the lipid component phosphoethanolamine, and l-Gln, l-Ser and l-Ala were measured. Depolarization via perfusion with potassium was used to assess the status of release/reuptake systems at 2 and 4h reperfusion after 2h transient focal ischemia. Background experiments classified potassium evoked responses as calcium dependent or calcium-independent by inclusion of 30μM omega-conopeptide MVIIC or by inclusion of 20mM magnesium and ommision of calcium. During ischemia, large elevations of almost all amino acids occured. During reperfusion, secondary elevations in transmitter amino acids (l-Glu, GABA) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor modulators (d-Ser, Gly) occured. Tau remained slightly elevated whereas the lipid component phosphoethanolamine remained high and stable during reperfusion. Reperfusion significantly potentiated the potassium response for amino acids with calcium-dependent responses (l-Glu and GABA). In contrast, calcium-independent responses (Tau, phosphoethanolamine, l-Gln) were significantly attenuated. Intermediate behavior was observed with Gly, while no potassium responses were observed for d-Ser, l-Ser or l-Ala.These data demonstrate that perturbations in evoked amino acid profiles after ischemia-reperfusion are selective. Reduction of calcium-independent responses implicate a general decline in efficacy of transporter mechanisms that restore transmembrane gradients of ions and transmitters. Decreased efficacy of transporter systems may reduce transmitter reuptake and account for the amplified release of l-Glu and GABA, thus contributing to progressive neural dysfunction after cerebral ischemia.

Enhancement of 3[H]D-aspartate release during ischemia like conditions in rat hippocampal slices: source of excitatory amino acids.

Ischemic neuronal injury is supposed to be caused in part by the extracellular accumulation of excitatory amino acids (EAA). Neurotransmitter and metabolic EAA can be released from synaptic vesicles and cytoplasm of neurones and glial cells. In this study the release of the glutamate analogue [3H]D-aspartate ([3H]D-ASP), loaded into 500 microns slices of rat hippocampus, was investigated. The efflux of the label was measured during anoxic-aglycemic ("ischemic") and normoxic K+ depolarization. To identify the pools from which [3H]D-ASP is released we have estimated its calcium dependence and the effects of inhibitors of: (1) Na(+)-dependent transporter of amino acids (100 microM L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid/L-trans-PDC/), (2) sodium channel (1 microM tetrodotoxin TTX), and (3) anion channel (1 mM furosemide). [3H]D-ASP released upon normoxic depolarization was 40% inhibited by TTX, nearly 40% by L-trans-PDC and over 50% by furosemide. The "ischemic" release was in 40% calcium dependent, completely TTX independent and in approximately 50% blocked by furosemide treatment. Our data suggest that EAA accumulated in the synaptic cleft during ischemia are mainly released from the cytosolic compartment by mechanisms which are connected with the ischemic increase of extracellular potassium concentration.

Diazepam, given postischemia, protects selectively vulnerable neurons in the rat hippocampus and striatum

Following cerebral ischemia, certain populations of neurons degenerate. Excessive accumulation of excitatory amino acids in the synaptic cleft, activation of excitatory amino acid receptors, and influx of calcium into neurons play a key role in the development of ischemia-induced neuronal death. We hypothesized that neuroprotection may be achieved by enhancing inhibitory (i.e., gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA) neurotransmission to offset excitation. Diazepam, a drug that increases GABA-induced chloride channel opening, was administered (10 mg/kg, i.p.) to rats 1 and 2 hr following 15 min of transient global ischemia, when hippocampal GABA levels, increased during ischemia, returned to basal. Rats were maintained normothermic during ischemia and became hypothermic following the injections of diazepam. Four days later, rats were sacrificed and the brains were examined for neuronal degeneration and the presence of GABAA receptors labeled by 35S-t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (35S-TBPS). There was substantial neuroprotection of striatal neurons and pyramidal neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. In addition, diazepam prevented the loss of 35S-TBPS binding sites in the striatum and in the dendritic fields of the CA1 hippocampus following ischemia. Since hypothermia, itself, is neuroprotective, we determined if hypothermia was required for the ability of diazepam to produce neuroprotection. Diazepam was microinjected into the CA1 hippocampus 1 and 2 hr following ischemia, and rats remained normothermic. Four days later, diazepam still produced substantial protection of hippocampal neurons. Thus, postischemic hypothermia may have contributed to the neuroprotection by diazepam when it was administered systemically, but the neuroprotective effect of diazepam did not require hypothermia. We conclude that delayed enhancement of GABAergic neurotransmission directly at the site of vulnerability following an ischemic event protects the vulnerable neurons from death.

Excitatory Amino Acid Neurotransmitters in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Neurologic deficits are a major source of serious morbidity in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest. Recent evidences support the hypothesis that accumulation of excitatory amino acids and overstimulation of their receptors in the brain tissue contribute to ischemic neuronal damage. In the present study, we measured concentrations of amino acid neurotransmitters, including glutamate and aspartate, in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to clarify whether CSF levels of excitatory amino acids reflect the global ischemic insults during cardiac arrest. In 11 post-CPR patients without any evidence of intracranial causes of cardiac arrest (the CPR group), CSF was sampled 2 to 12 hours following CPR. After deproteinization and storage at-80°C, derivatization, elution, and analysis of amino acids in CSF samples were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Sixteen patients scheduled for spinal anesthesia and elective surgery were regarded as normal control (the control group).The results showed that glutamate and aspartate in the CSF of the CPR group significantly increased 3.6 and 5.7-fold com pared with fhose the control group. Taurine and alanine also significantly increased. Thus, in the present clinical study, we demonstrated elevations of neurotoxic glutamate and aspartate in CSF following CPR, which might relate post-CPR neurologic deficits.

Glucocorticoids exacerbate kainic acid-induced extracellular accumulation of excitatory amino acids in the rat hippocampus.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) compromise the ability of hippocampal neurons to survive various insults, and do so, at least in part, by exacerbating steps in the glutamate/N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)/calcium cascade of damage. As evidence, GCs impair uptake of glutamate by hippocampal astrocytes, the GC endangerment of the hippocampus is NMDA receptor dependent, and GCs exacerbate kainic acid (KA)-induced calcium mobilization. These observations predict that GCs should also exacerbate KA-induced accumulation of extracellular glutamate and aspartate. To test this, adrenalectomized rats were given replacement GCs in either the low or high physiological range. Three days later, rats were anesthetized and 1 mM KA was infused through a dialysis probe placed in the dorsal hippocampus. Extracellular amino acid concentrations in the dialysate were then assessed by HPLC. After KA infusion, high-GC rats (30 +/- 3 micrograms/dl) had significantly elevated concentrations of glutamate and aspartate compared with low-GC rats (all less than 0.95 micrograms/dl). The glutamate accumulation was due to GCs raising pre-KA concentrations, whereas the aspartate accumulation was due to GCs exacerbating the KA-induced rise. Glutamine concentrations were unaffected by KA, whereas the high-GC regimen elevated glutamine concentrations both before and after KA. Taurine concentrations rose after infusion of KA, but were unaffected by GC regime, whereas alanine concentrations were unaffected by either manipulation. Serine concentrations were unaffected by KA, but were depressed both before and after KA in high-GC rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)