Open AccessDeoxyschisandrin modulates synchronized Ca 2+ oscillations and spontaneous synaptic transmission of cultured hippocampal neurons 1
Author(s) -
FU Min,
SUN Zhaohui,
ZONG Min,
HE Xiangping,
ZUO Huancong,
XIE Zuoping
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
acta pharmacologica sinica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.514
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1745-7254
pISSN - 1671-4083
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-7254.2008.00821.x
Subject(s) - excitatory postsynaptic potential , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , postsynaptic current , hippocampal formation , biophysics , neurotransmission , extracellular , postsynaptic potential , voltage dependent calcium channel , patch clamp , calcium , neuroscience , calcium channel , chemistry , biology , electrophysiology , medicine , biochemistry , receptor
Aim:Deoxyschisandrin is one of the most effective composites of Schisandra chinensis , a famous Chinese medicine widely used as an antistress, anti‐aging, and neurological performance‐improving herb. In this study, we examined its specific mechanisms of action on cultured hippocampal neurons. Methods: Hippocampal neurons, primarily cultured for 9–11 d in vitro , were used for this study. DS were dissolved in DMSO and applied to calcium imaging and whole‐cell patch clamp. Results: The application of 3 mg/L DS decreased the frequency of spontaneous and synchronous oscillations of intracellular Ca 2+ to 72%±2% (mean±SEM), and the spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents to 60%±3% (mean±SEM). The inhibitory concentraton 50% (IC 50 ) for the effect of DS on calcium oscillations was 3.8 mg/L. DS also depressed the high voltage‐gated Ca 2+ channel and the voltage‐gated Na + channel currents at the same time point. It had no effect, however, on voltage‐gated K + and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents. Conclusion: DS inhibited the spontaneous and synchronous oscillations of intracellular Ca 2+ through the depression of influx of extracellular calcium and the initiation of action potential. By repressing the spontaneous neurotransmitter release, DS modulated the neuronal network activities.