MITOCHONDRIAL ULTRASTRUCTURAL DAMAGE IN THE NEURONS IN HIPPOCAMPAL CA3 AREA OF KAINIC-ACID-INDUCED RATS

Objective To observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure damage in the neurons of hippocampal CA3 area during kainic-acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus(SE) in rats. Methods Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided into two groups in random: KA group and control group.SE was induced for two hours.At the first and the third hour after termination of SE,rats were killed and the brain sections made.The gross changes of neuron were observed with light microscope,and the mitochondrial ultrastructure with electron microscope. Results Three hours after the end of SE,various damages of mitochondria,from swelling of cristae to rupture of membrane,were noted. Conclusion Kainic-acid-induced status epilepticus,in its early stage,may result in mitochondrial damage in the neurons of hippocampus,which might be the key link of neuronal lesion after status epilepticus.