title: Bi-directional alterations of LTP after acute homocysteine exposure.
abstract: Homocysteine (HCY) is a known risk factor for neuronal diseases. We here report that HCY (10-1000 microM) interfered bi-directionally with long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal slices, causing an impairment at concentrations <100 microM, and enhancement > or =500 microM. By comparison, NMDA unidirectionally reduced LTP, whereas l-cysteine led to facilitated LTP. Such HCY-induced alterations in neuronal communication may contribute to cognitive failure in dementia.
authors.affiliation: School of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD Scotland, UK. l-christie@northwestern.edu
authors.forename: Louisa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Christie
authors.forename: Gernot
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Riedel
authors.forename: Bettina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Platt
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D056547:CA1 Region, Hippocampal / Q000502:physiology*; D003545:Cysteine / Q000378:metabolism; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000378:metabolism*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008839:Microelectrodes; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D006710:Homocysteine; D016202:N-Methylaspartate; D003545:Cysteine