KCC2 reverse mode helps to clear postsynaptically released potassium at glutamatergic synapses.

Extracellular potassium [K] elevation during synaptic activity retrogradely modifies presynaptic release and astrocytic uptake of glutamate. Hence, local K clearance and replenishment mechanisms are crucial regulators of glutamatergic transmission and plasticity. Based on recordings of astrocytic inward rectifier potassium current I and K-sensitive electrodes as sensors of [K] as well as on in silico modeling, we demonstrate that the neuronal K-Cl co-transporter KCC2 clears local perisynaptic [K] during synaptic excitation by operating in an activity-dependent reversed mode.

Interferon-γ augments GABA release in the developing neocortex nitric oxide synthase/soluble guanylate cyclase and constrains network activity.

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a cytokine with neuromodulatory properties, has been shown to enhance inhibitory transmission. Because early inhibitory neurotransmission sculpts functional neuronal circuits, its developmental alteration may have grave consequences. Here, we investigated the acute effects of IFN-γ on γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA)ergic currents in layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the somatosensory cortex of rats at the end of the first postnatal week, a period of GABA-dependent cortical maturation.

Interferon-γ enhances neocortical synaptic inhibition by promoting membrane association and phosphorylation of GABA receptors in a protein kinase C-dependent manner.

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), an important mediator of the antiviral immune response, can also act as a neuromodulator. CNS IFN-γ levels rise acutely in response to infection and therapeutically applied IFN-γ provokes CNS related side effects. Moreover, IFN-γ plays a key role in neurophysiological processes and a variety of chronic neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.

Non-thermal effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.

We explored the non-thermal effects of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields and established a theoretical framework to elucidate their electrophysiological mechanisms. In experiments, we used a preclinical treatment device to treat the human colon cancer cell lines HT-29 and SW480 with either water bath heating (WB-HT) or 13.56 MHz RF hyperthermia (RF-HT) at 42 °C for 60 min and analyzed the proliferation and clonogenicity.