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Polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate sodium and calcium currents in CA1 neurons
M Vreugdenhil1, C Bruehl, R A Voskuyl
1Institute of Neurobiology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Summary
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) reduce neuronal excitability by modulating sodium and calcium currents in rat hippocampal neurons. These findings suggest PUFAs may have anticonvulsive effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known to prevent cardiac arrhythmias.
- This cardioprotective effect is linked to reduced cardiomyocyte excitability via modulation of sodium (INa) and calcium (ICa) currents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of PUFAs on neuronal excitability.
- Specifically, to determine if PUFAs modulate INa and ICa in hippocampal CA1 neurons.
Main Methods:
- Freshly isolated CA1 neurons from rat hippocampus were used.
- Extracellular application of PUFAs (docosahexaenoic acid - DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid - EPA) was performed.
- Voltage-dependent inactivation of INa and ICa was assessed.
Main Results:
- PUFAs caused a concentration-dependent hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of INa and ICa inactivation.
- PUFAs accelerated inactivation and slowed recovery from inactivation for both currents.
- DHA and EPA suppressed INa and ICa amplitude at higher concentrations (> 10 microM).
- Monounsaturated oleic acid and saturated palmitic acid were ineffective.
Conclusions:
- PUFAs modulate voltage-dependent inactivation of sodium and calcium channels in hippocampal neurons.
- These modulations likely reduce overall neuronal excitability.
- PUFAs may possess anticonvulsive properties.