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.
Sandirasegarane
L
L
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Mikler
J R
JR
Tuchek
J M
JM
Sulakhe
P V
PV
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