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Spreading depression enhances human neocortical excitability in vitro
M Berger1, E-J Speckmann, H C Pape
1Institut für Physiologie I, Westfalische Wilhelms-Universitat Munster, Münster, Germany.
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|April 11, 2008
Summary
Cortical spreading depression (CSD) enhances synaptic activity in human brain tissue. This finding suggests CSD may contribute to the hyperexcitability seen in migraine with aura patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human physiology
Background:
- Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is implicated in migraine with aura.
- Research on CSD's neuronal impact in the human cortex is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CSD on synaptic function in human neocortical slices.
- To examine CSD's influence on field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) and long-term potentiation (LTP) induction.
Main Methods:
- Human neocortical slices were obtained during epilepsy surgery.
- CSD was induced, and its effects on fEPSP amplitude and LTP induction were measured.
- Experiments focused on the third layer of neocortical tissue.
Main Results:
- CSD transiently suppressed then significantly enhanced fEPSP amplitude.
- CSD increased the induction of LTP in the studied neocortical layer.
- These changes indicate facilitated synaptic excitability and efficacy.
Conclusions:
- CSD enhances synaptic excitability and efficacy in human neocortical tissue.
- This facilitation may contribute to neocortical hyperexcitability in migraine patients.
- The study provides direct evidence of CSD's neuronal effects in humans.
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