ISSN:
1573-904X
Keywords:
long-term potentiation
;
dentate gyrus
;
PC-2
;
α-glucan
;
adrenal steroids
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Purpose. To investigate central effectiveness of PC-2, a glucan from lichen Parmelia caperata with α(l–3)(l–4) linkages in the ratio 3:2, with regard to the long-term potentiation (LTP) of evoked potential. Methods. The extent of LTP, induced by high-frequency stimulation of medial perforant pathway, was evaluated as fractional increase in population spike amplitude in dentate gyrus in anesthetized rats. Results. Oral and intravenous application of PC-2 resulted in significant enhancement of LTP elicited by a weak, but not by a strong, tetanic stimulation. No influence of PC-2 on basal evoked synaptic potential was found. Bilateral adrenalectomy profoundly suppressed the positive impact of the glucan on the formation of LTP, but showed no effect upon the magnitude and time-course of population spike enhancement in vehicle-treated subjects. Two related α-glucans with different chemical structures did not show any effect comparable to that of PC-2. Conclusions. Peripheral application of PC-2 significantly enhances LTP in dentate gyrus in rats. Results indicate that the effect of PC-2 might be peripherally mediated and that the specific higher structure of PC-2 is crucial for its biological activity.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1016009630329
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