Inhibitory effects of fucoidan on NMDA receptors and <scp>l</scp> -type Ca ²⁺ channels regulating the Ca ²⁺ responses in rat neurons

Abstract

CONTEXT: Fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide extracted from brown algae [Fucus vesiculosus Linn. (Fucaceae)], has multiple biological activities. OBJECTIVE: responses of rat neurons and its probable mechanisms with focus on glutamate receptors were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: responses. RT-PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of neuron receptors treated with fucoidan at 0.5 mg/mL for 3 h. RESULTS: channels, PR1/PR2. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: channels in hippocampal neurons. A wide spectrum of fucoidan binding to cell membrane may be useful for designing a general purpose drug in future.