Uses
1(S),9(R)-(-)-Bicuculline methiodide has been used as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist to block inhibition in the semicoronal slices. It has also been used for the preparation of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs).
General Description
Bicuculline is a phthalide isoquinoline alkaloid, which is extracted from
Dicentra cucullaria. It acts as an acetylcholinesterase?inhibitor. Bicuculline inhibits slow afterhyperpolarization (AHP).
Biological Activity
Methiodide form of classical GABA A receptor antagonist (+)-bicuculline ([R-(R*,S*)]-6-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-6-methyl-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolin-5-yl)furo[3,4-e]-1,3-benzodioxol-8(6H)-one ). More water-soluble and stable. Non-GABA receptor-mediated actions reported, including actions on calcium-dependent potassium channels.
Biochem/physiol Actions
(-)-Bicuculline methiodide is a GABAA receptor antagonist, which acts as a competitive inhibitor of GABA ligand binding to the receptor.
