Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026

Direct-current Stimulation and Multi-electrode Array Recording of Seizure-like Activity in Mice Brain Slice Preparation
Published on: June 7, 2016
Potentiation and Block of ASIC1a by Memantine
Vasiliy Y Shteinikov1, Tatiana B Tikhonova1, Vyacheslav S Korkosh1
1I.M.Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry RAS, 44 Thorez pr., St.Petersburg, Russia.
Abstract:
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are modulated by various classes of ligands, including the recently described hydrophobic monoamines, which inhibit and potentiate ASICs in a subunit-specific manner. In particular, memantine inhibits ASIC1a and potentiates ASIC2a homomers. The aim of the present work was to characterize action mechanism of memantine on recombinant ASIC1a expressed in CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cells. We have demonstrated that effect of memantine on ASIC1a strongly depends on membrane voltage, conditioning pH value and application protocol. When applied simultaneously with activating acidification at hyperpolarized voltages, memantine caused the strongest inhibition. Surprisingly, application of memantine between ASIC1a activations at zero voltage caused significant potentiation. Analysis of the data suggests that memantine produces two separate effects, voltage-dependent open-channel block and shift of steady-state desensitization curve to more acidic values. Putative binding sites are discussed based on the computer docking of memantine to the acidic pocket and the pore region.
More Related Videos
14:57Preparation of Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rats and Transgenic Mice for the Study of Synaptic Alterations during Aging and Amyloid Pathology
Published on: March 23, 2011
04:41Preparation of Oligomeric β-amyloid1-42 and Induction of Synaptic Plasticity Impairment on Hippocampal Slices
Published on: July 14, 2010
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for...
Long-term Potentiation
Long-term Potentiation
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...