Spermine Depresses NMDA, K/AMPA and GABA_a-Mediated Synaptic Transmission in the Rat Hippocampal Slice Preparation

Creator(s)

Pascal G. DiScenna, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine Rootstown
Pedro A. Ferchmin, Quillen-Dishner College of Medicine
Vesna A. Eterovic, Quillen-Dishner College of Medicine
Timothy J. Teyler, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine Rootstown

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-6-1994

Description

The effects of spermine, an endogenous polyamine, were examined in area CA1 of the rat hippocampal slice preparation. Spermine, at low millimolar concentrations, rapidly and potently depressed NMDA and K/AMPA-mediated population EPSPs, and GABA-mediated monosynaptic population IPSPs. These effects contrast with its well-known potentiation of NMDA currents at lower concentrations. Our results raise the possibility that the large intracellular stores of spermine that are released after various neural insults could act as an endogenous neuroprotective mechanism by limiting excessive calcium entry.

Citation Information

DiScenna, Pascal G.; Ferchmin, Pedro A.; Eterovic, Vesna A.; and Teyler, Timothy J.. 1994. Spermine Depresses NMDA, K/AMPA and GABA_a-Mediated Synaptic Transmission in the Rat Hippocampal Slice Preparation. Brain Research. Vol.647(2). 353-356. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-8993(94)91335-8 PMID: 7922511 ISSN: 0006-8993