Glycerol-induced seizure: involvement of IL-1 beta and glutamate

IT is widely accepted that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), a cytokine produ ced not only by cells of the immune system but also by cells of the central nervous system, modulates hippocampal function. Here we investigate the, e ffect of a seizure-induced increase in hippocampal IL-1 beta concentration on neurotransmitter release. We report that oral administration of glycerol evoked seizure activity in BALB/c mice. Associated with these convulsions was an induction of IL-1 beta gene expression and a significant increase in cytokine protein in the hippocampus. Release of glutamate in synaptosomes prepared from hippocampi of these animals was reduced compared to control. These results are consistent with previous data suggesting a modulatory eff ect of IL-1 beta on glutamate release in hippocampus. NeuroReport 10:1821-1 825 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.