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The neuroprotective agent riluzole inhibits release of glutamate and aspartate from slices of hippocampal area CA1

https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(93)90037-IGet rights and content

Abstract

Riluzole is believed to exert its anticonvulsant and neuroprotective actions by reducing glutamate release. This study demonstrated that 10–30 μM riluzole reduces the K+-evoked release of glutamate and aspartate from slices of hippocampal area CA1. Only higher concentrations reduced γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) release. These actions of riluzole were not occluded by tetrodotoxin. Riluzole did not diminish the ability of glutamate analogues to depolarize CA1 pyramidal cells, as determined from grease-gap recordings. Therefore the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective actions of riluzole in the hippocampus may be at least partly explained by its ability to inhibit glutamate/aspartate release from synaptic terminals.

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Present address: Synergen, Inc., 1885 33rd Street, Boulder, CO 80301, USA.

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