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Aminoacids and oscillatory electrocortical activity.
Acta Physiologica Et Pharmacologica Latinoamericana : Organo De La Asociacion Latinoamericana De Ciencias Fisiologicas Y De La Asociacion Latinoamericana De Farmacologia
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Amino acids like glutamate can induce oscillatory brain activity in isolated cortices, suggesting subcortical independence. This synchronized neuronal activity may involve dendritic junctions, impacting electrocortical patterns.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Amino acids play crucial roles in neuronal signaling.
- Electrocortical activity is fundamental to brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of specific amino acids on electrocortical activity.
- To determine if oscillatory activity originates from cortical or subcortical structures.
Main Methods:
- Local application of glutamate, aspartate, glycine, GABA, and dl-alanine.
- Studies conducted on intact and isolated cortices of anesthetized cats and turtles.
- Observation of responses to stimuli (DCR's, strychnine spikes) and spontaneous activity.
Main Results:
- Amino acid application induced long-duration, regular oscillatory activity.
- Oscillations occurred in isolated cortices, indicating a lack of subcortical influence.
- Different sensitivities of DCRs and strychnine spikes to amino acid depressant effects were noted.
Conclusions:
- Oscillatory electrocortical activity can be generated intrinsically within the cortex.
- A potential mechanism involves circus-movement type activity facilitated by amino acids.
- Amino acids may promote synchronized dendritic activity by opening low-resistance junctions.