Calcium Imaging to Study NMDA Receptor-mediated Cellular Responses

Aminoethane Sulfonic Acid Magnesium Salt Inhibits Ca2+ Entry Through NMDA Receptor Ion Channel In Vitro

The effect of a cerebroprotective agent magnesium bis-aminoethanesulfonate (laboratory code FS-LKhT-317) on intracellular calcium concentration was studied by the fluorescent imaging technique on neuroglial cell culture from Spraque-Dawley rat hippocampus. The substance produced a pronounced inhibitory effect and suppressed NMDA receptor activity in concentrations of ≥50 μM. The observed effects were reversible or partially reversible and were detected by a decrease in Ca²⁺ signal amplitude in neurons in response to NMDA applications in a Mg²⁺-free medium and by inhibition of Ca²⁺ pulses in magnesium-free medium (elimination of magnesium block).