Enhanced forebrain nitric oxide synthase activity in epileptic fowl.
Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was examined in forebrain, cerebellum and optic lobes of adult domestic fowl, having a hereditary primary generalized convulsive disorder. NOS was approximately 2-fold higher in only the forebrain of adult epileptic fowl compared to non-epileptic (carrier) hatchmates. A significant increase in NOS was also evident in forebrains of 1-day-old epileptic chicks. Ca(2+)-dependency experiments confirmed that these increments were principally due to type I NOS (NOS-I). Induction of convulsions by intermittent photic stimulation did not affect pre-existing forebrain NOS-I activity. The present data suggest that an enhanced NO signaling may ensue in selected regions of the brain as an adaptive response to hereditary epileptogenesis.
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
L
L
Sandirasegarane
J R
JR
Mikler
J M
JM
Tuchek
P V
PV
Sulakhe
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000378:metabolism; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011200:Poultry / Q000378:metabolism*; D016548:Prosencephalon / Q000201:enzymology*; D012016:Reference Values
D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase