Nano-Ag inhibiting action potential independent glutamatergic synaptic transmission but increasing excitability in rat CA1 pyramidal neurons

The aim of this study was to investigate the actions of silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) on glutamatergic synaptic transmission and excitability in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons with whole cell patch technique. The amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) was inhibited by silver nano-particles (nano-Ag) (10⁻⁵ g/ml and 10⁻⁴ g/ml), but the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) were increased by nano-Ag treatment (10⁻⁵ g/ml and 10⁻⁴ g/ml). Furthermore, nano-Ag (10⁻⁵ g/ml and 10⁻⁴ g/ml) increased the spontaneous network activity. These results provide further insights into the underlying mechanisms responsible for the effects of nano-Ag on central nervous system (CNS).