Facilitation effect of GABaergic projection from substantia nigra to pedunculopontine nucleus on pentylenetetrazol induced seizures.

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Recent studies indicate that the substantia nigra (SN) is an important site for the neurocircuitry involved in the modification of various experimental epilepsy models. We hypothetized that this nigral influence on seizures is relayed to next other sites through the r-aminobutyric acid (GABA) ergic projection. To clarify this, the influence of GABAergic activities of SN and target sites of SN efferents-pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) and superior colliculus (SC)-on pentylenetetrazol induced seizures were assessed in rats. Bilateral administration of GABA agonist (muscimol) into SN significantly suppressed the seizure development; administration into PPN signifiantly facilitated the seizure development; administration into SC did not alter the seizure development. On the other hand, infusion of GABA antagonist (bicuculline) into PPN revealed a protective effect against seizures.<BR>These results indicate that SN and its GABAergic projection to PPN play an important role in the seizure propagation. Thus, PPN neurons may be a key station for the generalization of convulsive activity.
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