Cerebral Superoxide Anion Generation during Seizures in Newborn Pigs

• Published in: Journal of cerebral blood flow and metabolism 1989-04, Vol.9 (2), p.175-179
• Main Authors: Armstead, W. M., Mirro, R., Leffler, C. W., Busija, D. W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Bicuculline; Biological and medical sciences; Medical sciences; Nervous system involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous; Neurology; Nitroblue Tetrazolium - metabolism; Seizures - chemically induced; Seizures - metabolism; Superoxide Dismutase - biosynthesis; Swine; Tetrazolium Salts - metabolism
• ISSN: 0271-678X; 1559-7016
• DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.1989.26

Cerebral superoxide anion generation during bicuculline-induced seizures was measured in newborn pigs. Using two closed cranial windows inserted over the parietal cortices, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-inhibitable nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction was determined during 20 min of seizure activity induced by bicuculline, 5 mg/kg i. v. A modest increase in SOD-inhibitable NBT reduction was observed in piglets subjected to bicuculline-induced seizure activity (2.4 ± 0.6 pmol/mm2 in 20 min) when compared to control piglets (0.4 ± 0.3 pmol/mm2 in 20 min). Pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg i.v.) reduced SOD-inhibitable NBT reduction during seizures to the control level (0.5 ± 0.4 pmol/mm2 in 20 min). We conclude that small quantities of superoxide anion radical are produced by newborn pig brain during bicuculline-induced seizures and that cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid appears to be a major source.