Long-term alterations in growth factor mRNA expression following seizures

• Published in: Neuroreport Vol. 8; no. 6; p. 1445
• Main Authors: Garcia, M L, Garcia, V B, Isackson, P J, Windebank, A J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 14.04.1997
• Subjects: Animals; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - biosynthesis; Growth Hormone - genetics; Hippocampus - metabolism; Male; Nerve Growth Factors - biosynthesis; Neurotrophin 3; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; RNA, Messenger - biosynthesis; Seizures - metabolism; Time Factors
• DOI: 10.1097/00001756-199704140-00024
• ISSN: 0959-4965

Although alterations in growth factor mRNA occur during neuronal insults, little is known about the long-term effects of neuronal insults on growth factor expression. We have examined the effects of prolonged post-ictal times on the expression of Brain-derivered nerve factor (BDNF) and Neurotrophin 3 (NT3) following Kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures. In situ hybridization was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats sacrificed 1-2 weeks following intracranial ventricular KA injections. BDNF mRNA increased bilaterally 1 and 2 weeks after injections, whereas NT3 mRNA decreased contralaterally 1 week and bilaterally 2 weeks post-injection. These observations provide evidence that alterations in growth factor mRNA expression occur even after prolonged post-ictal recovery suggesting a possible role for growth factors in recovery and continued maintenance of surviving neurons within limbic seizure foci.