Anesthesiology
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Tranexamic acid (TXA) is commonly used to reduce blood loss in cardiac surgery and in trauma patients. High-dose application of TXA is associated with an increased risk of postoperative seizures. The neuronal mechanisms underlying this proconvulsant action of TXA are not fully understood. In this study, the authors investigated the effects of TXA on neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in the basolateral amygdala. ⋯ This study clearly demonstrates that TXA enhances neuronal excitation by antagonizing inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission. The results provide evidence that this effect is mediated via postsynaptic mechanisms. Because GABAA receptor antagonists are known to promote epileptiform activity, this effect might explain the proconvulsant action of TXA.