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Alterations of putative neurotransmitters and enzymes during ischemia in gerbil cerebral cortex
Abstract:
Bilateral occlusion of common carotid arteries in Mongolian gerbils was produced for the periods (up to 15 min) which were shown to be totally reversible. There was an initial increase of cyclic AMP and GABA levels and enhanced activities of adenylate cyclase and glutamate decarboxylase, as well as the reduction of norepinephrine level and decreased activities of monoamine oxidase, GABA-transaminase and Na+-K+-ATPase. Following these changes, decreased concentration of dopamine, serotinin and glutamate were found. The activities of total protein kinase and acetylcholinesterase were found to be reduced after longer periods of short-term ischemia. The data are consistent with the concept of increased non-controled release of putative neurotransmitters in ischemia.
Insights
Short-term bilateral carotid artery occlusion in gerbils caused reversible changes in neurotransmitter levels and enzyme activities. These findings suggest a non-controlled release of neurotransmitters during ischemic events.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Ischemia Research
Background:
- Cerebral ischemia can lead to reversible neurological deficits.
- Understanding the biochemical changes during transient ischemia is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical alterations in the brain following short-term, reversible bilateral carotid artery occlusion in Mongolian gerbils.
- To elucidate the changes in neurotransmitter levels and enzyme activities during and after ischemic periods.
Main Methods:
- Bilateral common carotid arteries of Mongolian gerbils were occluded for periods up to 15 minutes.
- Levels of cyclic AMP, GABA, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate were measured.
- Activities of adenylate cyclase, glutamate decarboxylase, monoamine oxidase, GABA-transaminase, Na+-K+-ATPase, total protein kinase, and acetylcholinesterase were assessed.
Main Results:
- Initial increases in cyclic AMP and GABA levels, with enhanced adenylate cyclase and glutamate decarboxylase activities.
- Decreased norepinephrine levels and reduced activities of monoamine oxidase, GABA-transaminase, and Na+-K+-ATPase.
- Subsequent reductions in dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate concentrations, alongside decreased protein kinase and acetylcholinesterase activities with longer ischemia durations.
Conclusions:
- The observed biochemical changes are consistent with a non-controlled release of neurotransmitters during transient cerebral ischemia.
- These findings provide insights into the complex neurochemical cascade triggered by short-term ischemic events.