Home FOR AUTHORS General Physiology and Biophysics 2011 General Physiology and Biophysics Vol.30, No.4, p.350–355, 2011

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Quarterly, 80 pp. per issue
Founded: 1982
ISSN  1338-4325 (online)

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General Physiology and Biophysics Vol.30, No.4, p.350–355, 2011

Title: Nicotine reduces mortality of developing rats exposed to high-altitude hypoxia and partially suppresses the duration of cortical epileptic afterdischarges
Author: Vladimír Riljak, Dana Marešová, Jaroslav Pokorný

Abstract: Nicotine has been repeatedly reported as substance possessing neuroprotective properties. This study focused on the possible beneficial effects of nicotine against the high-altitude hypoxia (9000 m for one hour). 15 min prior to hypoxia exposition rats (12- and 35-day-old) were treated with nicotine. Next day electrodes have been implanted and the effects of nicotine and hypoxia (or both factors) on duration of afterdischarges (Ads) were tested. Administration of nicotine declined the hypoxia-induced mortality in 35-day-old animals. Nicotine pretreatment had no effect on ADs duration in 12-day-old pups, therefore brought about suppression of ADs in 35-day-old animals. Taken together, our data show that nicotine exhibits an anticonvulsant effect that is age-dependent. The mechanisms of nicotine neuroprotective properties include probably the influence of calcium homeostasis, increase synthesis of variety of growth factors, inhibition of the caspase cascades and antioxidant capability of nicotine.

Keywords: Brain cortex — Afterdischarges — Hypoxia — Nicotine
Year: 2011, Volume: 30, Issue: 4 Page From: 350, Page To: 355
doi:10.4149/gpb_2011_04_350


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