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    The Effect of Low Magnesium Concentration on Ictal Discharges In A Non-Synaptic Model

    Magnesium (Mg2+) is an essential mineral for several cellular functions. The concentration of this ion below the physiological concentration induces recurrent neuronal discharges both in slices of the hippocampus and in neuronal cultures. These epileptiform discharges are initially sensitive to the application of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, but these antagonists may lose their effectiveness with prolonged exposure to low [Mg2+], when extracellular Ca2+ reduction occurs, typical of ictal periods, indicating the absence of synaptic connections. The study herein presented aimed at investigating the effect of reducing the [Mg2+] during the induction of Nonsynaptic Epileptiform Activities (NSEA). As an experimental protocol, NSEA were induced in rat hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), using a bath solution containing high-K+ and zero-added-Ca2+. Additionally, computer simulations were performed using a mathematical model that represents electrochemical characteristics of the tissue of the DG granular layer. The experimental results show that the reduction of [Mg2+] causes an increase in the duration of the ictal period and a reduction in the interictal period, intensifying epileptiform discharges. The computer simulations suggest that the reduction of the Mg2+ level intensifies the epileptiform discharges by a joint effect of reducing the surface charge screening and reducing the activity of the Na/K pump.