Changes in the Na, K-ATPase of neuronal membranes in penicillin-induced epileptic foci in the cerebral cortex of the rat]

The relationship between electrophysiological changes and Na, K-ATPase activity of neuronal membranes in sodium penicillin-induced epileptic foci was studied. Na,K-ATPase activity is inhibited both in the primary focus and in homotopic contralateral area during latent period and in the stage of forming epileptic activity. In the stage of marked convulsive activity Na, K-ATPase is inhibited only in the primary focus. It is shown that penicillin at a concentration range of 2 x 10(-6)--2 x 10(-3) M does not influence Na,K-ATPase activity of crude synaptosomes of the rat brain cortex. It is suggested that Na,K-ATPase inactivation may serve as a pathogenetic factor in the development of convulsive process.