Intracerebroventricular administration of histidine reduces kainic acid-induced convulsive seizures in mice

Kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures and other experimental models of epilepsy have been proven to be instrumental in identifying novel targets that could be responsible for human icto- and epileptogenesis. We have previously shown that the ablation of pharmacoresistant voltage-gated Ca2+ channels with Cav2.3 as central ion-conducting pore (R-type Ca2+ channel) reduces the sensitivity towards KA-induced epilepsy in mice. In vivo, Cav2.3 channels are thought to be under tight allosteric control by endogenous loosely bound trace metal cations (Zn2+ and Cu2+) that suppress channel gating via a high-affinity trace metal-binding site. Metal dyshomeostasis in the brain, which is a common feature of (KA-induced) seizures, could therefore alter the normal function of Cav2.3 channels and may shift hippocampal and neocortical signaling towards hyperexcitation. To investigate the role of loosely bound metal ions for KA-induced hyperexcitation in vivo, we examined the effects of manipulating brain trace metal homeostasis in mice. To this end, we developed a murine system for intracerebroventricular administration of trace metal ions and/or histidine (His), which can bind Zn2+ and Cu2+ and is involved in their transendothelial transport at the blood–brain barrier. Unexpectedly, our preliminary findings indicate that application of His alone but not in the presence of Zn2+ has substantial beneficial effects on the outcome of KA-induced epilepsy in mice. As such, our results emphasize previous findings on the complex, two-sided role of loosely bound metal ions with regard to neuronal excitation and degeneration under pathophysiological conditions.