Inactivation of GABAA receptor reduces ginsenoside Rb3 neuroprotection in mouse hippocampal slices after oxygen-glucose deprivation

Aim of the study: To investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rb-3 on synaptic transmission after oxygen-glucose deprivation in vitro. Materials and methods: The population spike (PS) was recorded in the stratum pyramidale of mouse hippocampal slices using extracellular recordings. Results: Ginsenoside Rb-3 depressed the basal synaptic transmission, which also promoted the recovery amplitude of PS after OGD in a concentration-dependent manner. The GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol improved the recovery, which was similar to that of ginsenoside Rb-3. Moreover, the effect of ginsenoside Rb-3 in combination with muscimol was not additive. Treatment with the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline or picrotoxin, which prevented the depression of PS caused by ginsenoside Rb-3, also reduced the neuroprotection. Conclusion: The results indicate that the activation of the GABA(A) receptor is correlated with the neuroprotective mechanisms of ginsenoside Rb-3. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.