Fatty Acids Modulate Excitability in Guinea-Pig Hippocampal Slices
Abstract
A variety of fatty acids produced sustained changes in excitability in the guinea pig hippocampal slice. Although each fatty acid was unique, a general pattern was evident. During a 30-min exposure, the synaptic potential was minimally affected, although population spike amplitude showed significant increases. With wash, synaptic efficacy increased. The increase in the synaptic potential was significant with arachidonic acid (100 uM), oleic acid (100 uM), myristic acid (250 uM) and capric acid (250 uM). Also with wash, the coupling between the synaptic potential and the population spike was reduced significantly for most of the fatty acids tested: arachidonic acid (50 uM, 100 uM), linoleic acid (100 uM) oleic acid (100 uM), stearic acid (100 uM), myristic acid (250 uM) and capric acid (250 uM, 500 uM). The fatty acids may influence neuronal excitability, in part, through a direct membrane action. The observed synaptic enhancement is consistent with a role for a fatty acid in long-term potentiation. In addition, fatty acid exposure mimics the effects of X-radiation. We suggest that free radical-induced release of fatty acids contributes to electrophysiological damage in a number of pathological states.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA246027
Entities
People
- T. C. Pellmar
Organizations
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute