ABSTRACT
The generation of reactive oxygen is measurable in the brain in vivo as well as in isolated synaptosomes and brain mitochondria. In the hippocampal brain slice, peroxide has been used extensively to generate free radicals. Electrophysiological studies suggest that the hydroxyl radical elicits the changes in neuronal function observed with peroxide. The protective properties of antioxidants and free radical scavengers add further support for a free radical mechanism underlying the actions of the generating systems used in the hippocampal slice. Free radical generators in the hippocampal slice cause lipid peroxidation. Since lipid peroxidation is unlikely to underlie free radical-induced decreases in synaptic efficacy, a different molecular target must be responsible. Free radical-induced protein oxidation can exert its influence on synaptic efficacy at any number of sites. In the hippocampal slice, the actions of the free radical generators peroxide and dihydroxyfumarate are reversible to a large extent.
