AMPA-induced dark cell degeneration is associated with activation of caspases in pyramidal neurons of the rat hippocampus.

Various neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) exhibit selective vulnerability to AMPA-induced delayed neurotoxicity known as dark cell degeneration. Hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions display such vulnerability that encompasses morphological changes including cytoplasmic and nuclear condensation, neuronal shrinkage, formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles, and general failure of physiology. The present study was undertaken to ascertain the potential involvement of initiator (caspase-9) and executor (caspase-3) caspases in AMPA-receptor-induced dark cell degeneration in pyramidal neurons.