Cell lines

Primary cortical neurons from rat E18 embryos

Preparation method

The solubility of this compound in DMSO >10 mM. General tips for obtaining a higher concentration: Please warm the tube at 37 ℃ for 10 minutes and/or shake it in the ultrasonic bath for a while. Stock solution can be stored below -20℃ for several months.

Reacting condition

10 μM for 15–60 min

Applications

Bicuculline treatment could potentiate synaptic NMDAR signaling in the primary cortical neurons. Bicuculline led to a rapid decrease in STEP61 expression and a concomitant increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of STEP substrates including GluN2B, Pyk2, and ERK1/2.

Animal models

13-month old Fischer- 344 virgin female ovariectomized rats.

Dosage form

3.5 mg/kg( dissolved in sesame oil + 10% DMSO) daily by injection for 26 days

Application

The GABAA antagonist bicuculline attenuated progesterone-induced memory impairments in middle-aged ovariectomized rats.

Other notes

Please test the solubility of all compounds indoor, and the actual solubility may slightly differ with the theoretical value. This is caused by an experimental system error and it is normal.

(+)-Bicuculline is a light-sensitive competitive antagonist of GABA-A receptor.

References:
[1]. Zahm DS, et al. Comparison of the locomotor-activating effects of bicuculline infusions into the preoptic area and ventral pallidum. Brain Struct Funct. 2014 Mar;219(2):511-26.
[2]. Johnston GA. Advantages of an antagonist: bicuculline and other GABA antagonists. Br J Pharmacol. 2013 May;169(2):328-36.