Stimulation On Central NR2B NMDA Receptor in Neonatal and Juvenile Rats

Abstract

Objective: To observe the excitability of neonatal and juvenile rats (P35~P38) stirred by a strong electrical stimulation, that is registered by the hippocampus and anterior cortex. Methods: The spinal dorsal horn was examined before and after electrical stimulation. The hippocampal CA1 region, the anterior of cerebral cortex and the spinal dorsal horn were subjected to formaldehyde treatment. Immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to analyze the number of FOS protein positive cells in the spinal dorsal horn the hippocampal CA1 region and the anterior cortex of the brain. Results: The sciatic nerve performance of neonatal and juvenile rats was compared with that of adult rats under the same noxious stimulating condition (by strong electrical stimulation). Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis revealed that LTP and FOS protein were more prominent, but after the application of ifenprodil, these proteins were significantly inhibited. Conclusions: Reducing the stress response induced by peripheral nociceptive stimulation in neonatal and juvenile rats also inhibits the NR2B subunit in NMDA receptors.