Cholinergic Neurotoxicity: Mechanisms and Prevention
Abstract
In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that when limbic excitatory transmitter systems are activated by any of a number of generator mechanisms, it results in continuous seizure activity in limbic circuits (limbic status epilepticus) which tends to persist for hours and typically eventuates in disseminated brain damage affecting brain regions hosting the intense seizure discharge activity. Accumulating evidence suggests that excitatory amino acid transmitters (glutamate or related compounds), which are released in excessive amounts during status epilepticus, and are known to have neurotoxic (excitotoxic) properties, may be responsible for the brain damage associated with seizures. Cholinergic mechanisms may also be involved since it is possible to induce persistent seizures and related brain damage by either systemic or intra-amygdaloid administration of cholinergic agonists or cholinesterase inhibitors. Moreover, recent studies have documented that the neurotoxic syndrome produced by cholinergic neurotoxins used in chemical warfare (organophosphorus anticholinesterases) includes persistent seizures and disseminated brain damage. (jes)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA222318
Entities
People
- John W. Olney
- Madelon T. Price
Organizations
- University of Washington