Dynamic changes of GABA and GABA_A receptor α5 expressions in hippocampus of rats in status epilepticus induced by pilocarpine

Objective To probe the expressions of γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA) and GABA_A receptor α5 subunit in the hippocampus of rats with status epilepticus(SE) to explore the relationship between the changes and the genesis of spontaneous recurrent epileptic seizure (SRS). Methods Rat model of SE was induced by pilocarpine (PILO). Expressions of GABA and GABA_A receptor α5 subunit in the hippocampus was observed by immunocytochemistry at 6, 48, 72, 7 d after SE. Results The GABA-immunoreactivity (GABA-IR) neurons continued to decrease in PILO group at 6 h to 7 d post-SE. The GABA-IR neurons were significantly lower in PILO group than in control group at 48 h to 7 d post-SE. The expression of GABA_A R α5 subunit was decreased in PILO group at 6 h post-SE, and significantly lower than that of control group fran 72 h to 7 d post-SE. Conclusion Down-regulation of GABA and GABA_A receptor α5 subunit expressions may play an important role in the genesis of SRS.