Gap junctions consisting of connexin 43 subunits provide intercellular communication between astrocytes, contributing to their function of maintaining the central nervous system (CNS) microenvironment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies demonstrate prolonged astrocyte swelling related to seizures, while in vitro studies show the disruption of intercellular coupling and the cytotoxic swelling of astrocytes in seizure-equivalent environments. We examined the relation between astrocyte swelling and connexin 43 regulation using an in vivo seizure model. Generalised tonic-clonic convulsions were induced in adult rats using intraperitoneally (i.p.)-administered 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). The expression of connexin 43 mRNA and protein at 1, 3 and 24 h after seizure induction was measured. Astrocytic swelling was assessed at the same time points using transmission electron microscopy. mRNA and protein levels remained unaltered at all time periods. However, a significant (≈50%) reduction was found in the amount of phosphorylated (P1, P2) to unphosphorylated (NP) forms of connexin 43 at 3 h. The amount increased thereafter, but was still significantly lower than in the controls at 24 h post-seizure. Simultaneously, marked astrocytic swelling was measured in the neocortex. Pre-treatment with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) resulted in the amelioration of seizure symptoms and the prevention of connexin 43 dephosphorylation, as well as significantly reduced astrocytic swelling. Dephosphorylation of connexin 43 was shown to reduce astrocytic gap junction (GJ) permeability. Our results therefore suggest that, during acute seizures, a prolonged inhibition of intercellular coupling develops in the astrocyte network. This accounts for the long-lasting astrocyte swelling observed, and potentially impairs buffering function. The results also imply that this uncoupling is regulated through neuronal and/or glial NMDA-type glutamate receptors.

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