Os anti-hipertensivos bloqueadores de canais de cálcio, por interferirem no transporte de cálcio através das membranas celulares, podem afetar muitos processos metabólicos, incluindo o metabolismo ósseo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, de forma radiográfica, histológica e bioquímica, os efeitos do bloqueador de canais de cálcio amlodipina no processo de reparo de um defeito ósseo, simulando fratura, no ramo mandibular de ratos. Foram utilizados 50 ratos machos Wistar, que foram submetidos ao mesmo procedimento cirúrgico unilateral simulando fratura mandibular, e distribuídos em dois grupos de 25 animais: grupo experimental, que receberam amlodipina, via oral, na dosagem de 0,04 mg / rato / dia, iniciando 12 dias antes do procedimento e continuando até o sacrifício; grupo controle, que permaneceu não tratado. Os animais foram sacrificados nos períodos de 1, 7, 14, 30 e 90 dias pós-operatórios. Foram realizados testes bioquímicos de fosfatase alcalina e cálcio séricos. Exame radiográfico foi obtido para mensuração da área radiolúcida do defeito ósseo. O estudo histológico compreendeu a análise descritiva do processo de reparo ósseo e a avaliação histomorfométrica da quantidade de osso neoformado. Os valores numéricos foram submetidos a análises estatísticas. A análise radiográfica demonstrou maior área radiolúcida no interior do defeito ósseo para o grupo experimental, nos períodos de 14 (p=0,016), 30 (p=0,009) e 90 (p=0,028) dias. Na análise histológica não se observaram atrasos no processo de reparo ósseo para ambos os grupos. Porém, na análise histomorfométrica, o grupo da amlodipina apresentou redução significante do volume de osso neoformado nos períodos de 7 e 14 dias (p=0,049), não havendo diferenças significativas no período de 30 dias. Houve redução significante nos níveis de fosfatase alcalina para o grupo da amlodipina nos períodos iniciais (p=0,049). Não houve alterações para os níveis de cálcio sérico. Concluiu-se que o uso crônico da amlodipina prejudicou a neoformação óssea no processo de reparo do defeito cirúrgico no ramo mandibular de ratos, porém não impediu a consolidação da fratura. / Antihypertensive, calcium channel blockers, which interfere on calcium transport across the cell membrane, may affect many metabolic processes, including bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate by radiographic, histologic and biochemical analyses the effects of calcium channel blocker amlodipine on bone healing of a defect simulating a fracture in mandibular ramus of rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were used, and submitted to the same unilateral surgical procedure simulating a mandibular fracture, distributed into two groups of 25 animals: experimental group, which received oral doses of 0.04 mg / rat / day starting 12 days before of procedure and continuing until sacrifice; control group, which remained untreated. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 7, 14, 30 and 90 days postoperatively. Blood biochemical tests of alkaline phosphatase and serum calcium were made. Radiographic examination was obtained in order to mensurate the radiolucent area of bone defect. Histological study comprised descriptive analysis of bone healing and histomorphometric analysis of the amount of newly formed bone. Numerical values were submitted to statistical analyses. Radiographic analysis showed larger radiolucent area into bone defect to the experimental group at the periods of 14 (p=0.016), 30 (p=0.009) and 90 (p=0.028) days. In the histological analysis there was no delay in the bone repair stages in both groups. However, in the histomorphometric analysis, the experimental group presented significative lowering of newly formed bone volume at 7 and 14 days periods (p=0.049), with no significant differences at 30 days period. There was significative decrease of alkaline phosphatase levels in experimental group in the initial periods (p=0.049). There was no change in the serum calcium levels. It was concluded that chronic use of amlodipine compromised bone neoformation in the repairing process of surgical defect in the mandibular ramus of rats, but no precluded occurrence of fracture consolidation.

Background: Calcium channel blockers are mainly divided into antihypertensive and antianginal treatment agents. In 2000 it was estimated that 972 million adults worldwide were living with hypertension and it is expected to affect 1.56 billion patients by 2025. The incremental expenditure for the antihypertensive therapeutic group in the United States of America was estimated at $US 55 billion per annum in 2006. It was stated that around seven million people in the United States of America suffered from angina, with around 400 000 new reports every year. Objective: To determine the prescribing patterns of calcium channel blocker medicine items during 2005 to 2008 in a section of the private health care sector of South Africa. Methods: A retrospective quantitative drug utilisation review was done using a medicine claims database ranging over four years from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2008. The total medicine claims database was divided into cardiovascular medicine items and then into calcium channel blockers. These were analysed according to age as well as gender. Further analysis included adherence of calcium channel blockers as well as an analysis of prescribers of these items during the study period. Results: The total number of patients on the medicine claims database consisted of 1 509 621 patients in 2005. This number decreased to 974 497 patients in 2008. The most medicine items were dispensed in 2006 (n = 21 113 422) with an average cost of R 92.82 (SD = 196.42) per medicine item. It was noted that 16.05% (n = 242 264) of patients used at least one cardiovascular item in 2005. The percentage of cardiovascular medicine item users increased by 4.36% during the study period to 20.41% (n = 198 847) in 2008. In 2008 the cardiovascular medicine items dispensed were responsible for 19.18% (R 342 565 308.41) of the total cost of all medicine items claimed. In 2005 the results revealed that 1.63% (n = 318 258) of all medicine items dispensed were calcium channel blocker medicine items. The percentage of calcium channel blockers increased to 2.24% (n = 367 437) of the total number of medicine items in 2008. The cost prevalence index was calculated for the calcium channel blockers and the value declined from 1.5 in 2005 to 1.22 in 2008, which indicated that the items dispensed were relatively expensive, but less than in 2005. An increase of 16.17% in the usage of generic medicine items were noted from 2005 to 2008. More female patients than male patients claimed medicine items during the study period. A higher percentage of male patients used a cardiovascular medicine item as well as calcium channel blockers during the study period compared to females and a larger percentage of their medicine expenditure was used on cardiovascular medicine items as well as calcium channel blockers compared to females. The usage of cardiovascular medicine items as well as calcium channel blocker medicine items increased with patient age. In 2008, 17.98% of patients older than 65 years of age used a calcium channel blocker compared to 0.97% of patients aged > 25 <= 35 years. Only 60.34% of calcium channel blockers items were used with acceptable refill adherence rates during the study. More than a third of the calcium channel blockers medicine items used had unacceptable low adherence rates from 2005 to 2008. In each of the study years the highest potential saving with generic substitution was seen with amlodipine containing items. It was also observed that some generic substitutions could be relatively more expensive than the innovator products and an increased cost instead of a saving through generic substitution may have occurred. Conclusion: This study highlighted the prescribing patterns and cost implications of calcium channel blockers in the private health care sector of South Africa. It is recommended that a more in–depth study of the adherence of calcium channel blockers be done. This study should also include the cost strategies of generic substitution of calcium channel blockers in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Pharm (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Background: Calcium channel blockers are mainly divided into antihypertensive and antianginal treatment agents. In 2000 it was estimated that 972 million adults worldwide were living with hypertension and it is expected to affect 1.56 billion patients by 2025. The incremental expenditure for the antihypertensive therapeutic group in the United States of America was estimated at $US 55 billion per annum in 2006. It was stated that around seven million people in the United States of America suffered from angina, with around 400 000 new reports every year. Objective: To determine the prescribing patterns of calcium channel blocker medicine items during 2005 to 2008 in a section of the private health care sector of South Africa. Methods: A retrospective quantitative drug utilisation review was done using a medicine claims database ranging over four years from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2008. The total medicine claims database was divided into cardiovascular medicine items and then into calcium channel blockers. These were analysed according to age as well as gender. Further analysis included adherence of calcium channel blockers as well as an analysis of prescribers of these items during the study period. Results: The total number of patients on the medicine claims database consisted of 1 509 621 patients in 2005. This number decreased to 974 497 patients in 2008. The most medicine items were dispensed in 2006 (n = 21 113 422) with an average cost of R 92.82 (SD = 196.42) per medicine item. It was noted that 16.05% (n = 242 264) of patients used at least one cardiovascular item in 2005. The percentage of cardiovascular medicine item users increased by 4.36% during the study period to 20.41% (n = 198 847) in 2008. In 2008 the cardiovascular medicine items dispensed were responsible for 19.18% (R 342 565 308.41) of the total cost of all medicine items claimed. In 2005 the results revealed that 1.63% (n = 318 258) of all medicine items dispensed were calcium channel blocker medicine items. The percentage of calcium channel blockers increased to 2.24% (n = 367 437) of the total number of medicine items in 2008. The cost prevalence index was calculated for the calcium channel blockers and the value declined from 1.5 in 2005 to 1.22 in 2008, which indicated that the items dispensed were relatively expensive, but less than in 2005. An increase of 16.17% in the usage of generic medicine items were noted from 2005 to 2008. More female patients than male patients claimed medicine items during the study period. A higher percentage of male patients used a cardiovascular medicine item as well as calcium channel blockers during the study period compared to females and a larger percentage of their medicine expenditure was used on cardiovascular medicine items as well as calcium channel blockers compared to females. The usage of cardiovascular medicine items as well as calcium channel blocker medicine items increased with patient age. In 2008, 17.98% of patients older than 65 years of age used a calcium channel blocker compared to 0.97% of patients aged > 25 <= 35 years. Only 60.34% of calcium channel blockers items were used with acceptable refill adherence rates during the study. More than a third of the calcium channel blockers medicine items used had unacceptable low adherence rates from 2005 to 2008. In each of the study years the highest potential saving with generic substitution was seen with amlodipine containing items. It was also observed that some generic substitutions could be relatively more expensive than the innovator products and an increased cost instead of a saving through generic substitution may have occurred. Conclusion: This study highlighted the prescribing patterns and cost implications of calcium channel blockers in the private health care sector of South Africa. It is recommended that a more in–depth study of the adherence of calcium channel blockers be done. This study should also include the cost strategies of generic substitution of calcium channel blockers in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Pharm (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2004. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Les anticorps monoclonaux (AcM) anti-CD20 sont essentiels pour le traitement du lymphome non hodgkinien et de la leucémie lymphoïde chronique (LLC). Les AcM agissent soit en activant directement la signalisation apoptotique dans les cellules cibles, soit via le système immunitaire. Dans une étude préclinique, nous avons montré que le traitement avec AcM anti-CD20, rituximab et GA101, induit l'expression de la protéine early growth response 1 (EGR-1) (Dalle et al., 2011). EGR-1 est un facteur de transcription régulé par le calcium (Ca2+) et CD20 est impliqué dans la régulation du flux calcique transmembranaire. Nous avons donc étudié le rôle d'EGR-1 et du flux Ca2+ dans l'activité cytotoxique des AcM anti-CD20. Nous avons montré qu'EGR-1 est rapidement induit suite à l'exposition au rituximab et à GA101. La baisse de l'expression d'EGR-1 par shRNA a supprimé l'effet cytotoxique du GA101 à la fois in vitro et in vivo, indiquant qu'EGR-1 est requis pour la mort cellulaire médiée par CD20. De plus, la surexpression d'EGR-1 augmente la sensibilité au GA101 in vitro et in vivo. En outre, nos résultats indiquent que les AcM anti-CD20 induisent un flux Ca2+. Le blocage du flux Ca2+ par inhibiteurs de canaux calciques (ICC) a aboli l'induction d'EGR-1 ainsi que l'efficacité du GA101 in vivo et ex vivo dans des échantillons de LLC. Plus important, nos données indiquent que les patients recevant des ICC ont une moins bonne réponse au traitement par les AcM anti-CD20. En conclusion, nous avons identifié EGR-1 comme potentiel biomarqueur pour prédire la réponse à la thérapie anti-CD20 et démontré que les ICC ont un impact négatif sur l'efficacité des AcM anti-CD20 chez les patients / Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an essential component of the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). They mediate their antitumor effects by activating the immune system or by direct apoptotic signaling in target cells. In a previous preclinical study, we showed that treatment with anti-CD20 mAbs, rituximab and GA101, resulted in upregulated expression of early growth factor 1 (EGR-1) (Dalle et al. 2011). EGR-1 is a calcium (Ca2+) regulated transcription factor and CD20 is hypothesized to regulate transmembrane Ca2+ flux. Therefore, we aimed to assess the role of EGR-1 and Ca2+ flux in the cytotoxic activity of anti-CD20 mAbs. We have shown that EGR-1 expression is rapidly upregulated in CD20+ cells following rituximab and GA101 exposure. Decreasing EGR-1 expression by shRNA abolishes the direct cytotoxic effect of GA101 both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that EGR-1 is required for CD20-mediated cell death. Additionally, the overexpression of EGR-1 enhances the cytotoxic activity of GA101 both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, our results indicate that anti-CD20 mAbs induce calcium influx. Blocking the Ca2+ flux with calcium channel blockers (CCB) abolishes EGR-1 induction and impaires the GA101 efficacy in vivo and ex vivo in CLL blood samples. More importantly, our data indicate that patients receiving CCBs and anti-CD20 therapy have worst progression free survival and overall survival. In conclusion we have identified EGR-1 as a potential biomarker to predict response to anti-CD20 therapy. We demonstrated that co-treatement with CCBs negatively impacts the outcome of patients receiving anti-CD20 mAbs

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (VERBENACEAE), popularly know as Erva Cidreira Brasileira, has been one of the most commonly herbs used in the Brazilian folk medicine to blood pressure control. This study aimed to investigate the cardiovascular effects of the essential oil of Lippia alba (EOLA) in rats. For the hemodynamic measurement, normotensive male Wistar rats had their abdominal aorta and lower vena cava cannulated. Initially, five chemotypes (geranial, limonene, linalool, mircene, and carvone) were tested in normotensive conscious rats. They were intravenously and in bolus administrated at the doses of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg. The EOLAG showed the best results on blood pressure, being chosen for the following experiments. The administration of EOLAG (5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, i.v.) induced transient hypotension and bradycardia. These responses were attenuated by atropine (2 mg/kg, i.v.), hexamethonium (20 mg/kg, i.v.) and NG-nitro-Larginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME - 20 mg/kg, i.v.), but not by indomethacin (5 mg/kg, i.v.). For in vitro approach, the rats were euthanized and the superior mesenteric artery was removed and cut in rings (1-2 mm), which were placed in organ baths containing Tyrode`s solution at 37o C and gassed with carbogen. In intact rings of rat mesenteric artery pre-contracted with phenilephrine (1 μM), EOLAG (1 - 1000 mg/mL) induced relaxation (pD2 = 1.89 ± 0.21; Emax = 110.8 ± 10.8 %) which was not modified after the removal of the endothelium (pD2 = 2.37 ± 0.16; Emax = 134.8 ± 16.5 %), after incubation with TEA (pD2 = 2.23 ± 0.04; Emax = 117.2 ± 4.96 %) or KCl (80 mM) (pD2 = 1.96 ± 0.06; Emax = 112.6 ± 6.70 %). In addition, the EOLAG was able to inhibit the contraction caused by CaCl2 and produced additional effect (34.82 %; n = 5) on maximal relaxation of nifedipine (10 μM). In conclusions, the results demonstrate that the EOLAG induces hypotensive effect, that seems to be caused by muscarinic activation and NO release, and bradycardia, that seems to be due to an activation of ganglion nicotinic and cardiac muscarinic receptors. Furthermore, EOLAG produces vasorelaxation primarily caused by blocking Ca2+ influx through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels. / A Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (VERBENACEAE), conhecida popularmente como Erva Cidreira Brasileira, é uma das plantas mais utilizadas na medicina popular brasileira, inclusive para o tratamento da hipertensão arterial. Este estudo buscou investigar os efeitos cardiovasculares do óleo essencial de Lippia alba (OELA) em ratos. Para registro dos parâmetros hemodinâmicos, ratos machos Wistar saudáveis foram canulados na aorta abdominal e na veia cava inferior. Inicialmente foram testados 5 quimiotipos deste óleo (geranial, limoneno, linalol, mirceno e carvona), administrados por via intravenosa e in bolus, nas doses de 5, 10, 20, 40 e 60 mg/kg. Após análise destes resultados, observou-se que o quimiotipo geranial (OELAG) foi o que apresentou o melhor efeito sobre a pressão arterial, tornando-se o quimiotipo de escolha. Em animais saudáveis e não-anestesiados, o OELAG (5, 10, 20 e 40 mg/kg, i.v.) induziu hipotensão e bradicardia transientes. Estes efeitos foram atenuados em animais pré-tratados com atropina (2 mg/kg, i.v.), hexametônio (20 mg/kg, i.v.) ou LNAME (20 mg/kg, i.v.), mas não com indometacina (5 mg/kg, i.v.). Para os experimentos in vitro, os ratos foram eutanasiados e a artéria mesentérica superior foi removida e seccionada em anéis (1-2 mm), os quais foram montados em cubas para órgão isolado contendo solução de Tyrode a 37o C e gaseificada com carbogênio. Em anéis intactos de artéria mesentérica superior de ratos, pré-contraídos com fenilefrina (10 μM), o OELAG (1 - 1000 mg/mL) induziu relaxamento (pD2 = 1,89 ± 0,21; Emax = 110,8 ± 10,8 %) cujo efeito não foi alterado após remoção do endotélio (pD2 = 2,37 ± 0,16; Emax = 134,8 ± 16,5 %), após a incubação com tetraetilamônio (TEA) (pD2 = 2,23 ± 0,04; Emax = 117,2 ± 4,96 %) ou KCl (80 mM) (pD2 = 1,96 ± 0,06; Emax = 112,6 ± 6,70 %). Além disso, o OELAG foi capaz de inibir as contrações induzidas por CaCl2 e produzir um efeito adicional (34,82 %; n = 5) sobre o relaxamento máximo causado pela nifedipina (10 μM) em anéis sem endotélio. Diante destes resultados, pode-se concluir que o OELAG produz efeito hipotensor, que parece ser causado por ativação de receptores muscarínicos e liberação de NO, e bradicardia, que parece ser causado pela ativação de receptores muscarínicos cardíacos e Efeitos cardiovasculares do óleo essencial de Lippia alba em ratos MAYNARD, L.G (2011) 9 nicotínicos ganglionares. Além disso, o OELAG induz vasorelaxamento que parece ser causado inicialmente por um bloqueio do influxo de Ca2+ através dos canais de Ca2+ operados por voltagem.

Os anti-hipertensivos bloqueadores de canais de cálcio, por interferirem no transporte de cálcio através das membranas celulares, podem afetar muitos processos metabólicos, incluindo o metabolismo ósseo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, de forma radiográfica, histológica e bioquímica, os efeitos do bloqueador de canais de cálcio amlodipina no processo de reparo de um defeito ósseo, simulando fratura, no ramo mandibular de ratos. Foram utilizados 50 ratos machos Wistar, que foram submetidos ao mesmo procedimento cirúrgico unilateral simulando fratura mandibular, e distribuídos em dois grupos de 25 animais: grupo experimental, que receberam amlodipina, via oral, na dosagem de 0,04 mg / rato / dia, iniciando 12 dias antes do procedimento e continuando até o sacrifício; grupo controle, que permaneceu não tratado. Os animais foram sacrificados nos períodos de 1, 7, 14, 30 e 90 dias pós-operatórios. Foram realizados testes bioquímicos de fosfatase alcalina e cálcio séricos. Exame radiográfico foi obtido para mensuração da área radiolúcida do defeito ósseo. O estudo histológico compreendeu a análise descritiva do processo de reparo ósseo e a avaliação histomorfométrica da quantidade de osso neoformado. Os valores numéricos foram submetidos a análises estatísticas. A análise radiográfica demonstrou maior área radiolúcida no interior do defeito ósseo para o grupo experimental, nos períodos de 14 (p=0,016), 30 (p=0,009) e 90 (p=0,028) dias. Na análise histológica não se observaram atrasos no processo de reparo ósseo para ambos os grupos. Porém, na análise histomorfométrica, o grupo da amlodipina apresentou redução significante do volume de osso neoformado nos períodos de 7 e 14 dias (p=0,049), não havendo diferenças significativas no período de 30 dias. Houve redução significante nos níveis de fosfatase alcalina para o grupo da amlodipina nos períodos iniciais (p=0,049). Não houve alterações para os níveis de cálcio sérico. Concluiu-se que o uso crônico da amlodipina prejudicou a neoformação óssea no processo de reparo do defeito cirúrgico no ramo mandibular de ratos, porém não impediu a consolidação da fratura. / Antihypertensive, calcium channel blockers, which interfere on calcium transport across the cell membrane, may affect many metabolic processes, including bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate by radiographic, histologic and biochemical analyses the effects of calcium channel blocker amlodipine on bone healing of a defect simulating a fracture in mandibular ramus of rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were used, and submitted to the same unilateral surgical procedure simulating a mandibular fracture, distributed into two groups of 25 animals: experimental group, which received oral doses of 0.04 mg / rat / day starting 12 days before of procedure and continuing until sacrifice; control group, which remained untreated. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 7, 14, 30 and 90 days postoperatively. Blood biochemical tests of alkaline phosphatase and serum calcium were made. Radiographic examination was obtained in order to mensurate the radiolucent area of bone defect. Histological study comprised descriptive analysis of bone healing and histomorphometric analysis of the amount of newly formed bone. Numerical values were submitted to statistical analyses. Radiographic analysis showed larger radiolucent area into bone defect to the experimental group at the periods of 14 (p=0.016), 30 (p=0.009) and 90 (p=0.028) days. In the histological analysis there was no delay in the bone repair stages in both groups. However, in the histomorphometric analysis, the experimental group presented significative lowering of newly formed bone volume at 7 and 14 days periods (p=0.049), with no significant differences at 30 days period. There was significative decrease of alkaline phosphatase levels in experimental group in the initial periods (p=0.049). There was no change in the serum calcium levels. It was concluded that chronic use of amlodipine compromised bone neoformation in the repairing process of surgical defect in the mandibular ramus of rats, but no precluded occurrence of fracture consolidation.

Kindling epileptogenesis has been associated with a number of different forms of neuroplasticity in the hippocampus, including mossy fibre sprouting and an increase in both intracellular calcium and zinc. The purpose of this thesis was to determine whether interfering with the influx of calcium via the voltage gated calcium channels would interfere with kindling- induced plasticity. Both kindled and control rats were injected with either 5 or 25mg/kg of the L-type voltage gated calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, or a control vehicle, DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide). The kindled groups received a kindling stimulation twice a day for 11 days. It was revealed that both doses of nifedipine significantly increased afterdischarge duration (p<0.001) and furthermore, both doses of nifedipine were capable of significantly interfering with the rate of kindling (p<0.001). Three weeks following the last kindling stimulation, rats were perfused and brain tissue was processed according to the Timm method. The density of Timm granules, an indication of the level of intracellular zinc in the mossy fibre pathway, was quantified. The results of this analysis revealed that 25mg/kg of nifedipine is capable of significantly reducing the amount of intracellular zinc in both the IML (p<0.04) and the CA3 (p<0.01) region of the mossy fibre pathway, regardless of whether the rats had received kindling stimulations or not. These results provide support for the notion that nifedipine (5 or 25mg/kg) is an effective anticonvulsant agent. These results also suggest that, at a sufficient dose (25mg/kg), nifedipine can reduce the amount of intracellular zinc in the mossy fibre pathway in both kindled and non-kindled animals, suggesting that nifedipine may be a useful therapeutic agent for pathologies that have been associated with zinc-induced neurotoxicity. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

No / The ability of neurons to modulate synaptic strength underpins synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, and adaptation to sensory experience. Despite the importance of synaptic adaptation in directing, reinforcing, and revising the behavioral response to environmental influences, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic adaptation are far from clear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a prime initiator of structural and functional synaptic adaptation. However, the signaling cascade activated by BDNF to initiate these adaptive changes has not been elucidated. We have previously shown that BDNF activates mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 1 (MSK1), which regulates gene transcription via the phosphorylation of both CREB and histone H3. Using mice with a kinase-dead knock-in mutation of MSK1, we now show that MSK1 is necessary for the upregulation of synaptic strength in response to environmental enrichment in vivo. Furthermore, neurons from MSK1 kinase-dead mice failed to show scaling of synaptic transmission in response to activity deprivation in vitro, a deficit that could be rescued by reintroduction of wild-type MSK1. We also show that MSK1 forms part of a BDNF- and MAPK-dependent signaling cascade required for homeostatic synaptic scaling, which likely resides in the ability of MSK1 to regulate cell surface GluA1 expression via the induction of Arc/Arg3.1. These results demonstrate that MSK1 is an integral part of a signaling pathway that underlies the adaptive response to synaptic and environmental experience. MSK1 may thus act as a key homeostat in the activity- and experience-dependent regulation of synaptic strength.