NBQX

Potent, selective and competitive AMPA receptor antagonist. Also kainate receptor antagonist. Blocks the induction of excitatory post synaptic currents. Shows neuroprotective, antinociceptive and anticonvulsive actions. Water soluble, NBQX disodium salt also available.

The AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX inhibits the actions of glutamate acting at AMPARs and is commonly used at 10 μM. NBQX from Hello Bio reduces spontaneous and evoked excitatory post synaptic currents (EPSCs) (see Fig 1 above). Complete AMPA receptor blockade was achieved at 10 μM and NBQX was also effective at 1 μM. NBQX was dissolved in DMSO. 

#Protocol 1: Evoked and spontaneous excitatory post synaptic currents (EPSCs)

• Whole cell voltage clamp recordings were obtained from layer V neurons of the mouse prelimbic cortex brain slice.
• EPSCs were evoked via a stimulating electrode placed in layers II/III delivering a single square (150 μs) pulse every 10 sec at an intensity that gave a reliable EPSC.
• Neurons were held at -70 to -60 mV (the reversal potential of GABA currents). EPSCs were continuously stimulated and recorded in response to 5 min applications of varying concentrations of NBQX until complete receptor inhibition.
• Spontaneous EPSCs were recorded before and after addition of NBQX by holding the neuron at -70 mV and recording for 10 sec.
• Recordings for EPSCs were made in the absence of GABA_A-R antagonists.