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Following stroke, the survival of neurons and their ability to reestablish connections is critical to functional recovery. This is strongly influenced by the balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition. In the acute phase of experimental stroke, lethal hyperexcitability can be attenuated by positive allosteric modulation of GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs). Conversely, in the late phase, negative allosteric modulation of GABA_AR can correct the suboptimal excitability and improves both sensory and motor recovery. Here, we hypothesized that octadecaneuropeptide (ODN), an endogenous allosteric modulator of the GABA_AR synthesized by astrocytes, influences the outcome of ischemic brain tissue and subsequent functional recovery. We show that ODN boosts the excitability of cortical neurons, which makes it deleterious in the acute phase of stroke. However, if delivered after day 3, ODN is safe and improves motor …