α-2A-Adrenergic receptors activation reduces epileptiform activity in hippocampus ex vivo without affecting the normal excitability.

Recent advancements in organic electronics have led to the development of implantable iontronic devices designed to deliver organic chemical compounds locally at precise times and concentrations. These devices offer a promising approach to treating neurological disorders by directly injecting extremely small amounts of neuroactive molecules into the brain, overcoming issues related to systemic toxicity or the inability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This method is also suitable for delivering molecules whose targets are not only in the brain but also in other organs. One example is drugs acting on the adrenergic system, which, due to their broad systemic effects, have not been extensively explored for antiepileptic treatment. Here, we tested ex vivo a specific agonist of alpha-2 adrenoreceptors, UK-14304, and found that while it did not modulate physiological excitability, it was able to decrease the intensity of epileptiform discharges. Although the effect was modest, it could be enhanced by delivering higher concentrations to the hippocampal region responsible for generating pathological activity.