Altered Expression of NR2B/PSD-95 Protein in the Hippocampus of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Rats

Aim: To observe the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 2B (NR2B) andpostsynaptic density 95 (PSD-95) proteins in hippocampus of Li-pilocarpine-induced epileptic rat.Methods: Rats were injected Li-pilocarpine intrapentoneally to establish a temporal lobe epilepsy model.At 2 h, 6 h, 24 h, 3 d, 15 d, 30 d, 60 d after lithium-pilocarpine (Li-PILO) induced seizures, theexpression of NR2B and PSD-95 proteins in the CA1,CA3,dentate gyrus of hippocampus wereanalyzed by using immunohistochemistry. Results: NR2B and PSD-95 protein were expressed abundantlyin all regions of hippocampus. Li-PILO induced seizure causes a significant decrease of NR2B andPSD-95 protein at 24 h and 30 d in the CA1 and CA3 of hippocampus, accompanying a decrease onlyat 24 h in the dentate gyrus. Conclusion: The down-regulation of NR2B/PSD-95 protein expressionmight participate in the neuronal protection during acute stage and chronic phase of temporal lobeepilepsy.