Lead can inhibit NMDA-, K(+)-, QA/KA-induced increases in intracellular free Ca2+ in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

Objective: To examine the effects of Pb2+ on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-, K(+)- and quisqualate(QA)/kainite(KA)-induced increases in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured fetal rat hippocampal neurons in order to explain the cognitive and learning deficits produced by this heavy metal.

Methods: Laser scanning confocal microscopy was used.

Results: The results clearly demonstrated that adding Pb2+ before or after NMDA/glycine stimulation selectively inhibited the stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner.

Inhibition of Glutamate Uptake by Superoxide Anion Radical in Rat Cortical Synaptosomes and the Protective Effect of Ebselen.

The inhibition of glutamate uptake by superoxide anion radical (O(-)(2).) in rat cortical synaptosomes and the protective effect of Ebselen was studied by radioisotope method. The exposure to xanthine/xanthine oxidase, a O(-)(2).