Kainic acid activates oxytocinergic neurons through non-NMDA glutamate receptors

Abstract

The present study assessed if kainic acid activates oxytocinergic neurons and this activation is blocked by 6- cyano- 7- nitroquinoxaline- 2,3- dione ( CNQX). Dual immunohistochemistry for oxytocin and c- Fos showed that oxytocin neurons in SON and PVN express c- Fos following kainic acid administration, a significant increase when compared to the control group. Administration of CNQX prior to kainic acid caused a significant reduction. The results suggested the participation of non- NMDA receptors in the regulation of oxytocin neurons because the administration of kainic acid activates these neurons and this activation is blocked by CNQX administration.