Neuronal activity is critical for synaptogenesis and the development of neuronal networks. In the immature brain excitation predominates over inhibition facilitating the development of normal brain circuits, but also rendering it more susceptible to seizures. In this paper, we review the evolution of the subunit composition of neurotransmitter receptors during development, how it promotes excit...

Tiagabine is a new generation antiepileptic drug, a specific inhibitor of gamma-aminobutiric acid (GABA) reuptake from the synaptic space to neurons and glia. Central effect of ethanol is mainly connected with its effect on GABAergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic and opioid transmission. The mechanism of tiagabine effect suggests that it may alleviate the rewarding effect of ethanol, which can b...

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to identify predictors and preventative treatments for post-stroke epilepsy (PSE). METHODOLOGY Eighty-four patients who had suffered a cerebrovascular insult (within 72 hours) were recruited and divided into two groups: an EP group (patients with seizures after stroke) and a NEP group (patients without seizures after stroke). The NEP group was then sub...

BACKGROUND While acute effects of stress on pain are well described, those produced by chronic stress are still a matter of dispute. Previously we demonstrated that chronic unpredictable stress results in antinociception in the tail-flick test, an effect that is mediated by increased levels of corticosteroids. In the present study, we evaluated nociception in rats after chronic treatment with c...

We review the evidence of exocytosis from extrasynaptic sites in the soma, dendrites, and axonal varicosities of central and peripheral neurons of vertebrates and invertebrates, with emphasis on somatic exocytosis, and how it contributes to signaling in the nervous system. The finding of secretory vesicles in extrasynaptic sites of neurons, the presence of signaling molecules (namely transmitte...