Neuroprotective effects of riluzole: An electrophysiological and histological analysis in an in vitro model of ischemia

The protective effects of riluzole against the neuronal damage caused by O- 2 and glucose deprivation (ischemia) was investigated in rat cortical slice s by recording electrophysiologically the cortico-cortical field potential and by evaluating histologically the severity of neuronal death. Five minut es of ischemia determined an irreversible depression of the amplitude of th e field potential. In addition, this insult caused a clear enhancement of t he number of death cells that were specifically colored with trypan blue (a vital colorant which stains altered cells). We found that riluzole, which by itself depressed the synaptic transmission, neuroprotected when perfused 15-20 min before and during ischemia. In fact, due to the treatment with r iluzole, the ischemia-induced irreversible depression of the field potentia l recovered and less cells were stained with trypan blue. These findings de monstrate that riluzole prevents neuronal death in an in vitro model of isc hemia and suggest a therapeutic use of this drug in order to reduce the pat hophysiological outcomes of stroke. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.