NR2B expression in hippocampus with spatial learning and memory impairment after pentylenetetrazol-kindled rats

Objective To observe the change of pentylenetetrazol ignited epileptic rats spatial learning and memory function and the expression of NMDA 2 receptor (NR2) B subunit (NMDA receptor2B, NR2B)in the hippocampus , explore the relationship between the two and the molecular mechanism for the PTZ ignited epileptic rats cognitive impairment. Methods Using model of chronic epilepsy induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), the behavior was tested by Y-maze,the expression of NR2B in hippocampus was determined by immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methods respectively . Results The learning and memory ability of the epilepsy rats was impaired, the NR2B positive cells were decreased (P0.01) and the expression level of NR2B mRNA in hippocampus was also decreased(P0.01). Conclusion The impairment of learning and memory ability of the epilepsy rats might be related with the change of NR2B in hippocampal neurons.