Reduction of excitation by interleukin-1 beta in rat neocortical slices visualized using infrared-darkfield videomicroscopy.
The cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) is thought to be critically involved in the neuroendocrine and behavioral changes which occur in response to systemic infection. In the present study, we have employed the novel technique of infrared-darkfield videomicroscopy to examine the effect of IL-1 beta on the intrinsic optical signal (IOS), an indicator of the spread of neuronal excitation and synaptic transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. Low doses of IL-1 beta delivered exogenously to rat neocortical slices produced a reduction of the area of the column-like IOS evoked by orthodromic stimulation. The effect of IL-1 beta was reversible on washout and not mimicked by heat-inactivated IL-1 beta. These results suggest a possible modulatory role of IL-1 beta on synaptic transmission in the rat neocortex which is probably mediated through an activation of GABAA receptors.
D'Arcangelo
G
G
Department of Experimental Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, II University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
Dodt
H U
HU
Zieglgänsberger
W
W
D000818:Animals; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007259:Infrared Rays; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018715:Microscopy, Video; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors
D007375:Interleukin-1