Picrotoxin-induced convulsions alters rat brain microsomal membrane structural properties.

Cerebral microsomal membrane properties were assessed in the chronic condition of generalized seizure induced by picrotoxin (PTX) in rats. PTX-induced seizures resulted in increased lysophosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidic acid components, while phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol were significantly reduced by 19-73%. The cholesterol (CHL) content increased considerably by 25% without alteration in total phospholipids content. Microsomal membrane was more fluidized in the epileptic condition. Possible consequences of microsomal membrane alterations are discussed in terms of deregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis. In conclusion, alterations in the microsomal membrane properties may have a significant influence on the cerebral function in the chronic epileptic condition.