A study of the potential neuroprotective effect of riluzole on locomotor networks of the neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro damaged by excitotoxicity

► Modest excitotoxic damage was associated with loss of locomotor network function. ► In the gray matter motoneurons were the most vulnerable. ► Riluzole exerted limited histological neuroprotection against excitotoxicity. ► Locomotor network function was not protected by riluzole. ► Strong and persistent depression of network activity was produced by riluzole (5 μM).