Effects of levetiracetam on the expression of NCAM and GAP-43 mRNA in the hippocampus of rats with epilepsy.
- Author:
Tian-Ming JIA
1
;
Tao LIU
;
Bin LUAN
;
Xiao-Li LI
;
Xiao-Li ZHANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Animals; Anticonvulsants; therapeutic use; Epilepsy; drug therapy; metabolism; GAP-43 Protein; genetics; Hippocampus; metabolism; Male; Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules; genetics; Piracetam; analogs & derivatives; pharmacology; therapeutic use; RNA, Messenger; analysis; Rats; Rats, Wistar
- From: Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2011;13(5):428-431
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVEThis study explored the effects of levetiracetam (LEV) on the expression of nerve cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) mRNA in the hippocampus of rats with epilepsy induced by lithium-pilocarpine (Li-PILO) in order to provide a basis for investigating the antiepileptic mechanism of LEV and its doseresponse.
METHODSForty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal control, a Li-PILO model and two LEV treatment groups (LEV: 150 and 300 mg/kg) (n=12 each). The LEV treatment groups received LEV by intragastric administration 6 hrs after status epilepticus (once daily for 2 two weeks). The expressions of NCAM and GAP-43 mRNA in the hippocampus was determined by real-time PCR.
RESULTSThe expression of NCAM and GAP-43 mRNA in the Li-PILO model group was significantly higher than in the normal control group (P<0.05). LEV treatment of 150 and 300 mg/kg significantly decreased the expression of NCAM and GAP-43 mRNA compared with the Li-PILO model group (P<0.05). The LEV treatment group at the dose of 300 mg/kg showed significantly lower expression of NCAM and GAP-43 mRNA than the 150 mg/kg LEV treatment group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONSLi-PILO can up-regulate the expressions of NCAM and GAP-43 mRNA in the hippocampus of rats with epilepsy. LEV can inhibit the expression of NCAM and GAP-43 mRNA and the effect is associated with the dose of LEV.
