Phasic GABA_A‐receptor activation is required to suppress epileptiform activity in the CA3 region of the immature rat hippocampus

Abstract

We conclude from these results that in the early postnatal rat hippocampus a constant phasic synaptic activity is required to control excitability and prevent epileptiform activity, whereas tonic GABAergic currents can mediate excitatory responses. Pharmacologic intervention at comparable human developmental stages should consider these ambivalent GABAergic actions.