Expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 in rat brain following the administration of kainic acid and pentylenetetrazole

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder of the central nervous system characterized by hypersynchronized neuronal activity and has been associated with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress interferes with the expression of genes as well as transcriptional factors such as nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). We evaluated the expression of Nrf2 in the rat brain in treated with kainic acid (KA) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Nrf2 immunoreactivity was observed in astrocytes of the hippocampal region in rats exposed at KA. Nrf2 expression was increased significantly in rats with KA and PTZ. These results provide evidence that the increased expression of Nrf2 is part of the mechanism against KA and PTZ toxicity.
Source: NeuroReport - Category: Neurology Tags: DEGENERATION AND REPAIR Source Type: research