The effects induced by the sulphonylurea glibenclamide on the neonatal rat spinal cord indicate a novel mechanism to control neuronal excitability and inhibitory neurotransmission.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Using the neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro, we investigated the action of glibenclamide, a drug possessing dual pharmacological effects, namely block of K(ATP) channels and of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR).

Experimental approach

Intra- and extracellular recordings were performed on motoneurons and interneurons. RT-PCR and western immunoblotting were used to determine gene and protein expression.

Key results

Glibenclamide (50 microM) facilitated mono- and polysynaptic reflexes, hyperpolarized motoneuron resting potential, increased action potential amplitude, decreased Renshaw cell-mediated recurrent inhibition, and increased network excitability by depressing GABA- and glycine-mediated transmission. The action o

SUBMITTER: Ostroumov K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2013857 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature