AIM: To observe and compare the effects of Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine on glutamate-evoked currents in cultured rat hippocampus neurons.METHODS: Rat hippocampal neurons were dissociated and cultured.Glutamate-evoked currents were recorded by whole cell patch clamp recording.Effects of Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine on glutamate-evoked currents were observed.Drugs were given by pressure ejection or applicated in the bath.RESULTS: Glutamate(100(mmol·L~(-1))) can activate inward currents in cultured rat hippocampus neurons and this currents could be locked by non-NMDA antagonists DNQX.At concentrations of 10,50,100(mmol·L~(-1)),both Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine could obviously decrease glutamate-evoked currents in cultured rat hippocampus neurons.At higher concentration of 50 and 100(mmol·L~(-1)),the reduced amplitude of glutamate-evoked currents by Ropivacaine was larger than that of by Bupivacaine(P<(0.01)).CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine have obviously inhibition effect on glutamate-evoked currents in cultured rat hippocampus neurons.The inhibition effect of Ropivacaine on glutamate-evoked currents is stronger than that of Bupivacaine.