Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Preparation of Acute Brain Slices Using an Optimized N-Methyl-D-glucamine Protective Recovery Method
Published on: February 26, 2018
Opioid mechanisms involved in the slow potential change and neuronal refractoriness during cortical spreading
R C Guedes1, F A de Azeredo, T P Hicks
1Departamento de Nutriçao, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife,Brazil.
Abstract:
The slow potential change (spc) accompanying spreading depression (SD) was studied in rats and in a seizure-sensitive strain of Mongolian gerbil under three different experimental paradigms, each involving the use of naloxone. Gerbils undergoing electroconvulsive shock treatment displayed SD during the post-ictal phase, which was blocked by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of naloxone (20-50 mg kg-1). Topical application of naloxone to the exposed cortex of the anaesthetized gerbil and rat blocked the spc of SD evoked by KCl. Microiontophoretic ejection of naloxone during extracellular recordings reversed cell refractoriness following the spc, demonstrated by the observation of a maintained sensitivity to iontophoretic pulses of glutamate. The results suggest a possible involvement of naloxone-sensitive processes in the mechanism responsible for cortical SD.
Related Concept Videos
Long-term Depression
Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Integration of Synaptic Events
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Analgesia and Pain Management

