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Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Generation of Local CA1 γ Oscillations by Tetanic Stimulation
Published on: August 14, 2015
The effect of pentylenetetrazol on spike broadening and potassium inactivation
Abstract:
The effect of the convulsant drug, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on spike broadening and potassium current inactivation was studied. PTZ was found to decrease the time taken for a cell to reach maximal broadening as well as causing a decrease in the total amount of broadening. Voltage clamp studies showed that in the presence of PTZ potassium current inactivated less but exhibited a faster time constant of inactivation. By exerting an effect on potassium inactivation and thereby spike broadening, PTZ may alter synaptic efficacy. Such an effect on synaptic efficacy may partially underlie the drug's convulsive activity.
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