Receptor trafficking hypothesis revisited: Plasticity of AMPA receptors during established status epilepticus

Summary Status epilepticus ( SE ) is associated with a dynamic plasticity of postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptors. The plasticity of AMPA receptor ( AMPAR )–mediated glutamatergic transmission during established SE (ESE), after development of benzodiazepine resistance, was evaluated. There was increased frequency and inward rectification of AMPAR ‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents at S chaffer collateral ‐ CA 1 pyramidal neuron synapses during ESE . Surface expression of the G lu A 1 subunit increased, and this was a consequence of N ‐methyl‐ d ‐aspartate receptor activation. Further, diminishing glutamate release by activation of somatostatin receptors prevented SE . These studies suggest that AMPAR ‐mediated glutamatergic transmission is strengthened during ESE.