PATHOGENIC ROLE OF GLUTAMATE IN HYPERTHERMIA-INDUCED SEIZURES

Hyperthermia induces seizures in both humans and rodents, but the unde rlying mechanism remains unknown. The present study showed that hypert hermia, causing rapid increase in body temperature, increases the conc entration of glutamate (Glu) released into a cortical perfusate before onset of seizures in rats and that this increase in Glu concentration correlated with a decrease in seizure threshold temperature. These re sults indicate that increased cortical extracellular Glu induced by hy perthermia contributes to onset of seizures. The same mechanism may be involved in clinical seizures induced by fever in patients with febri le convulsions or epilepsy.