Audiogenic seizure can alter N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits NR1, NR2A, NR2B immunoreactivity in epilepsy-prone rat brain

Objective: To determine the role of N methyl D aspartate receptor subunits in the pathogenisis of epilepsy. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of NMDA receptor subunits NR1, NR2A and NR2B in cortex and hippocampus of genetically epilepsy prone rat (P77PMC) after audiogenic seizure. Results: The NR1 subunit immunoreactivity increased time dependently and reached a peak at hour 24 to 48 in cortex, and at hour 4 in hippocampus respectively after audiogenic seizure and the immunoreactivity of NR2A subunit reduced transiently in CA1 of hippocampus, being maximal 4 8 hours after seizure. In cortex, CA3 and dentate gyrus the immuno staining remained unaltered. No alteration of NR2B was observed at the same time. Conclusion: Those changes may contribute to an altered excitability of neuronal network, and also suggest the alteration of NMDA receptor subunits constitusion after audiogenic seizure in P77PMC rat.