Effects of potassium channel blockers on baclofen-induced suppression of paroxysmal discharges in rat neo-cortical slices

Baclofen reduced the frequency and aborted the bursts of spontaneous paroxysmal discharges in rat neocortical slices maintained in magnesium-free medium. This action was prevented by pretreatment with barium or caesium, which each increased the ictaform burst frequency, amplitude and duration. 4-Amino-pyridine also increased the burst frequency but reduced the amplitude and did not completely prevent the action of baclofen. Evidently baclofen suppresses such discharges by opening potassium channels normally involved in limiting the burst activity.