Abstract
We examined whether (-)-nicotine infusion can affect kainic acid (KA)-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Although treatment with a single nicotine infusion (0.5 or 1.0 μg/side, i.c.v.) failed to attenuate KA-induced neurotoxicity, repeated nicotine infusions (1.0 μg/side/day for 10 days) attenuated the seizures, the severe loss of cells in hippocampal regions CA1 and CA3, the increase in activator protein (AP)-1 DNA binding activity, and mortality after KA administration. α-Bungarotoxin and mecamylamine blocked the neuroprotective effects of nicotine. These results suggest that repeated nicotine treatment provides α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated neuroprotection against KA toxicity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 292-298 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Epilepsy Research |
Volume | 73 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2007 Mar |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- AP-1 DNA binding activity
- Hippocampus
- Kainic acid
- Neuroprotection
- Nicotine
- α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology