Effects of progesterone on microtubule associated protein 2 in hippocampus of pentylenetetrazol induced epileptic rats

Objective: To explore the effects of p rogesterone on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced seizures and microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) of the hippocampus in ovariectomized female rats. Methods:Ovariectomized (OVX) adult females SD rats were randomly divided into NS control, experimental control and experimental groups. The brains were removed and slices were cut coronally using a vibrator. The slices with dorsal hippocampus were stained by ABC immunohistochemistry method. Results:(1)Pretreatment with progesterone protected OVX rats from PTZ-induced seizures completely, while rats of experimental control group all exhibited stage 4 or 5 seizures; (2) MAP-IR decreased in Hilus, molecular layer of dentate gyrus and CA1 of experimental control group compared with NS+NS group. However, compared with those of NS control group. MAP-IR increased in experimental group. Conclusion:Progesterone can protect OVX rats against PTZ-induced seizures, and it may enhance MAP2 immunohistochemistry in female rats, which may be one of mechanisms of P's anticonvulsant effects and protective action.