Glutamate, GABA and epilepsy

Glutamate-stimulated neuropeptide Y mRNA expression in the rat dentate gyrus: a prominent role of metabotropic glutamate receptors

The influence of intrahippocampal injections of glutamate receptor agonists on neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression was investigated in granule cells and interneurons of the rat dentate gyrus. One day after local injection of non-neurodegenerative doses (20 and 70 nmol) of the metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylate [(1S,3R)ACPD], NPY mRNA levels were more than doubled in ipsilateral granule cells and interneurons. Doses of 200 and 400 nmol caused up to 15.9- and 4.6-fold mRNA increases in granule cells and interneurons, respectively. The group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG; 50 nmol), but not the group III receptor agonist L(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (L-AP4; 20 and 200 nmol) exerted a similar action. The general metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG; 200 nmol), the group I receptor antagonist (S)-4-carboxyphenylglycine (4-CPG; 200 nmol) and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 (1 mg/kg; i.p.) partially blocked the (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylate-induced increase in NPY mRNA in granule cells, but not in interneurons. (S)-4-carboxyphenylglycine (200 nmol) by itself increased NPY mRNA levels in ipsilateral interneurons threefold, indicating the activation of phospholipase D coupled receptors. Non-neurodegenerative doses of (RS)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA, 0.3 nmol) caused modest increases in NPY mRNA levels in ipsilateral interneurons, whereas neurodegenerative doses (1-10 nmol) induced markedly increased NPY mRNA levels in granule cells (up to 11-fold) and interneurons (up to threefold). It is suggested that activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors stimulates NPY mRNA expression in granule cells and interneurons in the rat dentate gyrus. Whereas in granule cells NPY mRNA upregulation is preferentially mediated by group I metabotropic glutamate receptors, it may involve ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors in interneurons.

Acute and chronic administration of clozapine produces greater proconvulsant actions than haloperidol on focal hippocampal seizures in freely moving rats

In this study, we assessed the effects of the acute (a single injection) and repeated (once daily injections for 21 days) administration of the atypical antipsychotic drug clozapine (1.5, 5, or 15 mg/kg i.p.) and the typical antipsychotic drug haloperidol (0.15, 0.5, and 1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) on hippocampal partial seizures generated by low-frequency electrical stimulation in male Wistar rats. The seizure threshold and severity were determined by measuring the pulse number threshold (PNT) and the primary afterdischarge duration (ADD), respectively. A single injection of either 5 or 15 mg/kg of clozapine significantly decreased the PNT and significantly increased the primary ADD, indicating a proconvulsant action. The repeated administration of clozapine (1.5, 5, or 15 mg/kg, i.p.) produced dose-dependent, proconvulsant effects by significantly decreasing the PNT and by significantly increasing the primary ADD. In contrast to clozapine, the acute administration of haloperidol did not significantly alter the PNT or the primary ADD. The repeated administration of haloperidol (0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg, i.p.), unlike clozapine, significantly decreased the primary ADD, but did not alter the PNT. Overall, clozapine produces a greater proconvulsant action than haloperidol in an animal model of hippocampal seizures.

Selective loss of early suppression in the dentate gyrus precedes kainic acid induced electrographic seizures

The role of inhibitory and facilitatory processes in the induction of seizures was studied in a kainic acid (KA) model of epilepsy. The dentate gyrus (DG) response to paired-pulse stimulation of the perforant path (PP) was monitored prior to and immediately following the initial KA induced afterdischarge (AD) in rats chronically prepared with stimulation recording electrodes. The subjects received a 1-h program of stimulation consisting of repeated sequences of pulse pairs at a short (20-30 ms), intermediate (45-90 ms), and long (200-300 ms) interpulse interval (IPIs). The stimulation program was administered both under control conditions and immediately following systemic injection of KA. During the control condition, stable suppression of population spike measures was obtained at the short (early phase) and long (late phase) IPIs, while facilitation was observed at the intermediate IPI. Administration of KA resulted in a progressive loss of suppression prior to the initial AD at the short IPI; neither facilitation nor the late phase of suppression were significantly affected. The early phase decreased further following the initial discharge. Since the early phase most likely reflects recurrent inhibition, these results provide evidence that inhibitory loss precedes the occurrence of KA induced AD, and that this inhibitory loss is increased further following the initial evoked AD. A use-dependent disinhibition is one possible explanation for the change in responsiveness that precedes the AD. This disinhibition could result from a depressed response at GABA-A receptors, an increased responsiveness at GABA-B receptors or possibly both.

Pathophysiological mechanisms of genetic absence epilepsy in the rat

Generalized non-convulsive absence seizures are characterized by the occurrence of synchronous and bilateral spike and wave discharges (SWDs) on the electroencephalogram, that are concomitant with a behavioral arrest. Many similarities between rodent and human absence seizures support the use of genetic rodent models, in which spontaneous SWDs occur. This review summarizes data obtained on the neurophysiological and neurochemical mechanisms of absence seizures with special emphasis on the Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS). EEG recordings from various brain regions and lesion experiments showed that the cortex, the reticular nucleus and the relay nuclei of the thalamus play a predominant role in the development of SWDs. Neither the cortex, nor the thalamus alone can sustain SWDs, indicating that both structures are intimely involved in the genesis of SWDs. Pharmacological data confirmed that both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmissions are involved in the genesis and control of absence seizures. Whether the generation of SWDs is the result of an excessive cortical excitability, due to an unbalance between inhibition and excitation, or excessive thalamic oscillations, due to abnormal intrinsic neuronal properties under the control of inhibitory GABAergic mechanisms, remains controversial. The thalamo-cortical activity is regulated by several monoaminergic and cholinergic projections. An alteration of the activity of these different ascending inputs may induce a temporary inadequation of the functional state between the cortex and the thalamus and thus promote SWDs. The experimental data are discussed in view of these possible pathophysiological mechanisms.

Pharmacology of glutamate receptor antagonists in the kindling model of epilepsy

It is widely accepted that excitatory amino acid transmitters such as glutamate are involved in the initiation of seizures and their propagation. Most attention has been directed to synapses using NMDA receptors, but more recent evidence indicates potential roles for ionotropic non-NMDA (AMPA/kainate) and metabotropic glutamate receptors as well. Based on the role of glutamate in the development and expression of seizures, antagonism of glutamate receptors has long been thought to provide a rational strategy in the search for new, effective anticonvulsant drugs. Furthermore, because glutamate receptor antagonists, particularly those acting on NMDA receptors, protect effectively in the induction of kindling, it was suggested that they may have utility in epilepsy prophylaxis, for example, after head trauma. However, first clinical trials with competitive and uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists in patients with partial (focal) seizures, showed that these drugs lack convincing anticonvulsant activity but induce severe neurotoxic adverse effects in doses which were well tolerated in healthy volunteers. Interestingly, the only animal model which predicted the unfavorable clinical activity of competitive NMDA antagonists in patients with chronic epilepsy was the kindling model of temporal lobe epilepsy, indicating that this model should be used in the search for more effective and less toxic glutamate receptor antagonists. In this review, results from a large series of experiments on different categories of glutamate receptor antagonists in fully kindled rats are summarized and discussed. NMDA antagonists, irrespective whether they are competitive, high- or low-affinity uncompetitive, glycine site or polyamine site antagonists, do not counteract focal seizure activity and only weakly, if at all, attenuate propagation to secondarily generalized seizures in this model, indicating that once kindling is established, NMDA receptors are not critical for the expression of fully kindled seizures. In contrast, ionotropic non-NMDA receptor antagonists exert potent anticonvulsant effects on both initiation and propagation of kindled seizures. This effect can be markedly potentiated by combination with low doses of NMDA antagonists, suggesting that an optimal treatment of focal and secondarily generalized seizures may require combined use of both non-NMDA and NMDA antagonists. Given the promising results obtained with novel AMPA/kainate antagonists and glycine/NMDA partial agonists in the kindling model, the hope for soon having potentially useful glutamate antagonists for use in epileptic patients is increasing.

Pro-epileptic changes in synaptic function can be accompanied by pro-epileptic changes in neuronal excitability

Repetitive sensory input, stroboscopic lights or repeated sounds can induce epileptic seizures in susceptible individuals. In order to understand the process we have to consider multiple factors. The output of a set of neurones is determined by the amount of excitatory synaptic input, the degree of positive feedback and their inherent electrical excitability, which can be modified by synaptic inhibition. Recent research has shown that it is possible to separate these phenomena, and that they do not always behave in unison.

Specific group II metabotropic glutamate receptor activation inhibits the development of kindled epilepsy in rats

The effects of intracerebral administration of the group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, 2R,4R-APDC, were tested on both the development of amygdaloid kindling and on fully developed stage 5 amygdala kindled seizures. The development of amygdaloid kindling was significantly retarded in 2R,4R-APDC (10 nmol in 0.5 microl) treated animals compared to control animals over a period of 8 days. At a low dose, 2R,4R-APDC (0.1 nmol) caused a 42.5+/-26.6% increase of the generalised seizure threshold in fully kindled animals. As higher doses were administered, however, the changes in generalised seizure threshold were less marked, and even a small decrease in the threshold was seen (-19.6+/-5.36% at 10 nmol). The agonist 2R,4R-APDC inhibited depolarization-induced release of [3H]d-aspartate from cortical synaptosomes with an IC50 value of 0. 29 microM. This effect was maximal at 1 microM, and decreased with dose thereafter. These findings suggest that the selective activation of the group II metabotropic glutamate receptors by agonists such as 2R,4R-APDC may be of therapeutic potential in the treatment of seizure disorders.

Seizures and neuronal damage induced in the rat by activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors with their selective agonist 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine

While it is well documented that the overactivation of ionotropic glutamate receptors leads to seizures and excitotoxic injury, little is known about the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in epileptogenesis and neuronal injury. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of the group I mGluR specific agonist (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (3,5-DHPG) (1.5 micromol) to conscious rats produced severe and delayed seizures (onset at 4 hr) in 70% of the animals. The i.c.v. infusion of the group I mGluR non-selective agonist 1S,3R-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD) (2 micromol) produced a similar rate of severe seizures, but with an early onset (0.6 hr). The analysis of motor activity showed that 3,5-DHPG elicited higher central stimulatory action than did 1S,3R-ACPD. Histopathological analysis of the hippocampus showed that 3,5-DHPG produced severe neuronal damage mainly in the CA1 pyramidal neurons and, to a lesser extent, in the CA3. Although 1S,3R-ACPD infusion also induced a slight injury of the CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons, damage was greater in the CA4 and dentate gyrus cells. In conclusion, the in vivo activation of group I mGluRs with the selective agonist 3,5-DHPG produces hyperexcitatory effects that lead to seizures and neuronal damage, these effects being more severe than those observed after infusion of the non-selective agonist 1S,3R-ACPD.

5-Aminomethylquinoxaline-2,3-diones. Part II: N-aryl derivatives as novel NMDA/glycine and AMPA antagonists

Potent antagonists at the glycine-binding site of NMDA receptors, as well as dual antagonists acting also at AMPA receptors have been identified in a series of 5-arylaminomethylquinoxaline-2,3-diones. A study of the structure-activity relationship of these compounds is reported here.

Epileptiform discharge induced by 4-aminopyridine in magnesium-free medium in neocortical neurons: physiological and pharmacological characterization

An in vitro model of epileptiform activity was developed to study the role of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the epileptogenesis. Intracellular recordings were obtained from rat neocortical slices exposed to 4-aminopyridine in a magnesium-free solution. Spontaneous epileptiform activity consisting of paroxysmal depolarization shifts with associated spontaneous depolarizing postsynaptic potentials were observed. The paroxysmal depolarization shifts were blocked either by D,L-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (50 microM), an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, or by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2.3-dione (10 microM), a non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. These glutamate receptor antagonists also reduced the occurrence of spontaneous depolarizing postsynaptic potentials. Bicuculline methiodide, an antagonist of GABAA receptors, suppressed spontaneous depolarizing postsynaptic potentials, while it reduced the frequency of paroxysmal depolarization shifts and increased their duration. Hyperpolarization of the membrane potential by continuous current injection increased the frequency of paroxysmal depolarization shifts and reduced their duration, but it reduced the occurrence of spontaneous postsynaptic potentials. Paroxysmal depolarization shifts were blocked by tetrodotoxin (1 microM). The duration and the frequency of paroxysmal depolarization shift were reduced by dopamine (30-300 microM) in a dose-dependent manner. Our model suggests a different involvement of excitatory and inhibitory processes in the generation of epileptiform activity.

Is high extracellular glutamate the key to excitotoxicity in traumatic brain injury?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases extracellular levels of the excitatory amino acid glutamate and aspartate, and N-methyl-D aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonists protect against experimental TBI. These two findings have led to the prevalent hypothesis that excitatory amino acid efflux is a major contributor to the development of neuronal damage subsequent to traumatic injury. However, as with stroke, the hypothesis that high extracellular glutamate is the key to excitotoxicity in TBI conflicts with important data. For example, the initial increase in extracellular glutamate is cleared within 5 min after moderate TBI, whereas antagonists of glutamate receptors and the so- called presynaptic glutamate release inhibitors remain effective when administered 30 min after insult. In this article, we argue that the current concept of excitotoxicity in TBI, centered on high extracellular glutamate, does not withstand scientific scrutiny. As alternatives to explain the beneficial actions of glutamate antagonists in experimental TBI, we propose abnormalities of glutamatergic neurotransmission, such as deficient Mg2+ block of NMDA-receptor ionophore complexes, and phenomena such as spreading depression, which requires activation of glutamate receptors and is detrimental to neurons in damaged/vulnerable brain regions. Finally, we introduce the notion that beneficial effects of glutamate receptor antagonists in experimental models of neurological disorders do not necessarily imply the occurrence of excitotoxic processes. Indeed, glutamate-receptor blockade may be protective by reducing the energy demand required to counterbalance Na+ influx associated with glutamatergic synaptic transmission. In other words, glutamate receptor antagonists (and blockers of voltage-gated Na+-channels) may help nervous tissue to cope with increased permeability of the cellular membrane to ions and reduced efficacy of Na+ extrusion, and thus prevent the decay of transmembrane ionic concentrations gradients.

Control of rat GluR6 glutamate receptor open probability by protein kinase A and calcineurin

1. We have used non-stationary variance analysis to examine the single channel conductance and the probability of channel opening at the peak of the homomeric GluR6 response (Po,peak) to 100-200 ms application (10-90% exchange time, 0.3 ms) of glutamate onto excised membrane patches from transiently transfected human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293). 2. Our determinations of both Po,peak and single channel conductance of simulated current responses are insensitive to system filtering, response rise time, desensitization rate and measured variation in our drug perfusion speed. Isolation of stochastic current fluctuations using the local mean response waveform minimizes problems associated with modest rundown of response amplitude during the experiment. 3. The slope conductance calculated from the weighted mean unitary currents for the channels activated in response to glutamate application is 16 pS. Chord conductance between-40 and -80 mV is independent of agonist concentration. Conversion of the codon for glutamine621 to arginine (Q621R) by RNA editing reduces conductance by more than 35-fold to less than 0.4 pS without changing response time course, desensitization, or Po,peak. 4. Po,peak is high at saturating glutamate concentrations (0.65 +/- 0.23; mean +/- S.D.) and varies with agonist concentrations. The half-maximally effective glutamate concentration (EC50) determined for Po,peak (0.2 mM; Hill slope = 0.6) is similar to that determined for the macroscopic peak current amplitude (0.5 mM; Hill slope = 1.0) in response to rapid agonist application. 5. Inclusion of the purified catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) in the patch pipette increases Po,peak to 0.85 +/- 0.12 and co-transfection of cells with a cDNA encoding the catalytic subunit of PKA (C alpha-PKA) increases Po,peak to 0.94 +/- 0.09. 6. Inclusion of purified calcineurin plus its coactivators 200 nM Ca2+ and calmodulin in the patch pipette decreases Po,peak to 0.48 +/- 0.10. The calcineurin-stimulated decrease of Po,peak in cells co-transfected with C alpha-PKA is blocked by 800 nM deltamethrin, a calcineurin inhibitor. Calmodulin, 200 nM Ca2+ and deltamethrin have no effect on Po,peak in the absence of calcineurin. As predicted from its effects on Po,peak, inclusion of calcineurin in the patch pipette accelerates the run-down of whole cell GluR6 responses in cells co-transfected with C alpha-PKA. 7. The effects of both calcineurin and PKA on Po,peak for GluR6 receptors in excised patches occur without any detectable changes to response time course, desensitization, or chord conductance. 8. We conclude that the binding of glutamate to homomeric GluR6 receptors is associated with a high probability of channel opening, which is under the control of two signalling systems that are known to be co-localized at the neuronal membrane: PKA (Po,peak near 1.0) and calcineurin (Po,peak near 0.5).

Strain differences in pentylenetetrazol-kindling development and subsequent potentiation effects

Rats from two different strains, i.e. Wistar rats and Lister hooded rats, were investigated for their ability to acquire the kindling syndrome. After having received 13 kindling stimulations (injection of pentylenetetrazol), the animals were tested for subsequent alterations in induction and maintenance of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and, moreover in glutamate binding. It was found that rats from both strains did not differ in the response to the initial injection of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and the amplitude of the population spike. This suggests that some aspects of basic central excitability are equivalent. Wistar rats acquired the kindling syndrome rapidly whereas seizure outcome was poor in Lister rats. As regards hippocampal LTP, the population spike was only dramatically increased in Wistar rats after kindling completion. Glutamate binding was not altered in animals from the Lister strain. The results suggest that changes in glutamate binding and the increase in the population spike are characteristic consequences of kindling.

The protective effect of 2-chloroadenosine against the development of amygdala kindling and on amygdala-kindled seizures

The influence of 2-chloroadenosine, a non-metabolizable adenosine A1 receptor agonist, was tested on the development of electrically kindled amygdala and on the seizure responses of fully kindled rats. Focal intra-amygdaloid injection of 2-chloroadenosine (1-10 nmol/0.5 microl) 20 min before applying the daily kindling stimulus prevented the development of the kindling process. The behavioural seizure score and the afterdischarge duration were reduced below their initial values. The antiepileptogenic effects of 1 and 10 nmol of 2-chloroadenosine were reversible 8-10 days after withdrawal of the drug. When 2-chloroadenosine was tested on fully developed stage 5 amygdala-kindled seizures, it increased the generalised seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner. A maximum efficiency of 125% (P < 0.001) was achieved with 5 nmol and the median effective dose was 0.55 nmol. Higher doses resulted in the reduced anticonvulsant effect (P < 0.05). With the same daily stimulation, 2-chloroadenosine 5 nmol in 0.5 microl vehicle, significantly reduced the maximum seizure score by 90%, the afterdischarge duration by 88% and completely blocked the generalised seizure duration. The antiseizure activity of the drug lasted for 3 days. In conclusion, 2-chloroadenosine not only acts as an anticonvulsant against electrically induced kindled seizures as described here, and against audiogenic seizures, electroshock and a variety of chemical convulsants as described by others, it prevents the development of the epileptic state by kindling-stimulation, i.e., it is antiepileptogenic. We theorise here that this is due to its blockade of presynaptic glutamate release.

Dynamin genes Dnm1 and Dnm2 are located on proximal mouse chromosomes 2 and 9, respectively

Dynamins, microtubule-binding GTPases, are encoded by at least three genes in mammals. Two distinct gene-specific cDNAs were used to analyze the segregation of dynamin genes Dnm1 and Dnm2 in a mouse interspecies backcross. The nervous system-expressed gene Dnm1 was localized to Chr 2 between the genes for vimentin and nebulin, within a chromosomal region of conserved synteny to human chromosome 9q, consistent with the localization of the human dynamin-1 gene by FISH (see accompanying paper by Newman-Smith et al., 1997, Genomics 41:286-289). The ubiquitously expressed Dnm2 gene was found to be closely linked to the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 gene, Icam1, in a region with homologies to human chromosomes 19p, 8q, and 11q. Potential relations of both loci to disease genes are discussed.

The effects of focal N-methyl-D-aspartate pretreatment on the parameters of amygdaloid electrical kindling

Evidence is accumulating for a role of glutamate in both the development (epileptogenesis) and spread of epileptic neuronal hyperactivity in the brain. In the present investigation we examined the influence of daily focal pretreatment with the selective glutamate receptor agonist N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) on the parameters of amygdaloid electrical kindling, an animal model of human complex partial and secondary generalised focal seizures. Pretreatment with NMDA significantly increased the electrical afterdischarge threshold in this model. With subsequent daily suprathreshold electrical stimulation, however, NMDA pretreatment enhanced the kindling process as shown by both electroencephalographic and motor seizure responses. Marked reductions in the number of stimulations required to reach each distinct stage of kindling development were evident. The number of stimulations required to achieve the fully kindled state was approximately halved by pretreatment with NMDA (6.8 +/- 1.6 stimulations) compared with control, buffer-pretreated animals (11.6 +/- 1.4 stimulations; mean +/- S.E.M.; P < 0.05). Consistent with this, the mean durations of the electrically-evoked afterdischarges on most NMDA pretreatment days were significantly increased compared to those recorded in control animals. Importantly, fully kindled animals showed a markedly enhanced sensitivity to focally applied NMDA. The results of the present experiments provide strong in vivo evidence to support the concept that ion fluxes through NMDA receptor-linked cation channels play a major role in the mechanisms of kindling epileptogenesis. Extracellular glutamate at abnormally raised levels, acting at least in part via NMDA receptors, may be the principal agent triggering many forms of epilepsy.

Effects of riluzole on rat cortical neurones: an in vitro electrophysiological study

1. The electrophysiological effects of riluzole on rat prefrontal and frontal cortical neurones were investigated by using both extracellular (field) and intracellular recording techniques in brain slices. 2. Bath applied riluzole (3-200 microM) depressed the cortico-cortical stimulus-evoked field potential in a concentration-related manner (EC50 = 29.5 microM). 3. Riluzole (3-100 microM) reduced the tonic firing of the neocortical neurones which was caused by intracellular current injection, while it did not have any effect on the resting membrane potential and apparent input resistance of these cells. 4. In the presence of tetrodotoxin (1 microM) and tetraethylammonium (30 mM), the injection of a depolarizing current step generated a calcium spike in the neocortical neurones. Riluzole (30 microM) abolished this calcium-dependent action potential. However, when the amount of the depolarizing current was increased the calcium-dependent regenerative potential was evoked again. 5. The depolarization of the membrane (10-20 mV) caused by brief (8-15 s) bath applications of glutamate (300 microM-1 mM) were not changed in the presence of riluzole (30 microM). 6. It is concluded that riluzole has direct actions on rat neocortical neurones: (a) it blocks the repetitive discharge of sodium action potentials and (b) it increases the threshold for the generation of the calcium spike. These two cellular mechanisms might at least in part account for the depression of the cortico-cortical field potential caused by this drug.

Altered glutamatergic transmission in neurological disorders: from high extracellular glutamate to excessive synaptic efficacy

This review is a critical appraisal of the widespread assumption that high extracellular glutamate, resulting from enhanced pre-synaptic release superimposed on deficient uptake and/or cytosolic efflux, is the key to excessive glutamate-mediated excitation in neurological disorders. Indeed, high extracellular glutamate levels do not consistently correlate with, nor necessarily produce, neuronal dysfunction and death in vivo. Furthermore, we exemplify with spreading depression that the sensitivity of an experimental or pathological event to glutamate receptor antagonists does not imply involvement of high extracellular glutamate levels in the genesis of this event. We propose an extension to the current, oversimplified concept of excitotoxicity associated with neurological disorders, to include alternative abnormalities of glutamatergic transmission which may contribute to the pathology, and lead to excitotoxic injury. These may include the following: (i) increased density of glutamate receptors; (ii) altered ionic selectivity of ionotropic glutamate receptors; (iii) abnormalities in their sensitivity and modulation; (iv) enhancement of glutamate-mediated synaptic efficacy (i.e. a pathological form of long-term potentiation); (v) phenomena such as spreading depression which require activation of glutamate receptors and can be detrimental to the survival of neurons. Such an extension would take into account the diversity of glutamate-receptor-mediated processes, match the complexity of neurological disorders pathogenesis and pathophysiology, and ultimately provide a more elaborate scientific basis for the development of innovative treatments.

The anti-epileptic effect of 3-aminopropylarsonate on electrically-kindled and N-methyl-D-aspartate-kindled amygdala

The effects of 3-aminopropylarsonate, an arsono analogue of GABA, was tested on the development of electrically-kindled amygdala and on the expression of generalized seizure activity in electrically and NMDA fully amygdala-kindled rats. Intra-amygdaloid microinjection of 3-aminopropylarsonate (10 nmol in 0.5 microl injection vehicle) inhibited electrical epileptogenesis by keeping the seizure score at or below stage 1 on the Racine scale, and the afterdischarge duration (ADD) at or below 19.70 +/- 4.59 s. The effect was reversible after withdrawal of the drug, since the animals developed a generalized seizure activity when kindling stimuli continued in the absence of drug. In fully electrically kindled animals with stage 5 amygdala-kindled seizures, the drug increased afterdischarge threshold (ADT) by 30-70%, without any effect on mean seizure score or ADD. The changes were reversible after 7 days. In fully NMDA-kindled rats, intra-amygdala administration of 3-aminopropylarsonate (10 nmol/0.5 microl) 20 min before injection of NMDA (4 nmol/0.5 microl) reduced the seizure score from 3.80 +/- 0.37(5) on the Racine scale to 0.83 +/- 0.40(6) (P < 0.01). The effect was partially reversible after washing with phosphate buffer. 2-Amino-4-arsonobutyrate, the analogue of glutamate, had no effect on seizure score following treatment with the same concentration of the drug and the same route of injection. The inhibitory effect of 3-aminopropylarsonate on NMDA kindled activity was dose-dependent, since higher doses of NMDA reduced the effect of the drug. The effect of 3-aminopropylarsonate was also selective to NMDA receptors since it had no effect on kainate-induced seizures. With both models of kindling, no gross behavioural abnormalities were observed 3-6 months after treatment with the drug. These findings show the potent antiepileptogenic and anti-convulsant activity of the arsonoanalogue of GABA which appears to be non-toxic and therefore potentially useful as the basis for developing a new family of clinically useful anticonvulsants for treating epilepsy.

Blockade of both epileptogenesis and glutamate release by (1S,3S)-ACPD, a presynaptic glutamate receptor agonist

The influence of intracerebrally focally administered doses of a presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, (1S,3S)-ACPD, and of the post-synaptically targeted competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, D-CPPene (SDZ EAA 494), was tested on the development of amygdaloid kindling. The actions of these drugs, compared to that of D-CPP, was also tested on fully developed stage 5 amygdala kindled seizures. Both (1S,3S)-ACPD and D-CPPene dose-dependently increased the generalised seizure threshold in fully kindled animals. They showed a similar potency, with (1S,3S)-ACPD acting presynaptically and D-CPPene postsynaptically. Both drugs reversibly inhibited epileptogenesis at 10 nmol in 0.5 microliter of injection vehicle, keeping the kindling stage at or below stage 2. All animals reached stage 5 after withdrawal of the 2 drugs. Whereas (1S,3S)-ACPD inhibited depolarisation-induced release of [3H]L-glutamate and [3H]D-aspartate from cortical synaptosomes (IC50 63 microM and 50 microM, respectively), D-CPPene (postsynaptically active) was without effect. These findings suggest a new approach to the development of clinically effective anticonvulsants through the development of presynaptic glutamate receptor agonists which could be administered systemically to control the extent of synaptic release of glutamate.