Intrahippocampal injection of TsTX-I increases the levels of INF-γ in the cerebral tissue but not the levels of glutamate

Toxicon. 2015 Sep:103:155-9. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.07.006. Epub 2015 Jul 7.

Abstract

TsTX-I, isolated from Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom, causes epileptic-like discharges when injected into the central nervous system. The involvement of excitatory amino acids and cytokines in this activity was investigated. Our results have demonstrated that TsTX-I increases the release of IFN-γ but does not alter the intracerebral concentration of the excitatory amino acids in rats. Thus, this cytokine seems to be more important in the convulsive process than glutamate.

Keywords: Convulsion; Cytokines; Glutamate; Hippocampus; Tityus serrulatus scorpion; TsTX-I.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism*
  • Hippocampus / drug effects*
  • Hippocampus / pathology
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-1alpha / metabolism
  • Interleukin-1beta / metabolism
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Scorpion Venoms / administration & dosage*
  • Scorpion Venoms / toxicity*
  • Scorpions / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-1alpha
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Scorpion Venoms
  • Interleukin-10
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Interferon-gamma