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The effect of intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid on corticosterone release in rats

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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the hiopocampus exerts a modulatory effect on the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Kainic acid was stereotaxically injected into the CA1 pyramidal cell layer of the dorsal hippocampus, causing histological and behavioural changes typical of kainic acid toxicity. The CA3 pyramidal cells of the dorsal hippocampus were selectively lesioned. Rats treated with kainic acid were hyperactive, executed clockwise rotatory movements and displayed epileptic seizures. The acute excitatory effect of kainic acid on glutamatergic receptors in the hippocampus resulted in an elevation in plasma corticosterone levels, suggesting a stimulation of HPA axis activity. Direct or indirect stimulation of the CA1 pyramidal cells of the dorsal hippocampus appeared to have caused the increase in corticosterone secretion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MRC Research Unit for the Neurochemistry of Mental Diseases, Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, P.O. Box 113, 7505, Tygerberg, Republic of South Africa

    W. M. U. Daniels, A. Jaffer, A. H. Engelbrecht, V. A. Russell & J. J. F. Taljaard

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  1. W. M. U. Daniels
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  2. A. Jaffer
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  3. A. H. Engelbrecht
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  4. V. A. Russell
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  5. J. J. F. Taljaard
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Daniels, W.M.U., Jaffer, A., Engelbrecht, A.H. et al. The effect of intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid on corticosterone release in rats. Neurochem Res 15, 495–499 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00966206

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