Kainate-induced apoptotic cell death in hippocampal neurons

Increased Bcl-w expression following focally evoked limbic seizures in the rat

Control of seizure-induced neuronal death may involve members of the Bcl-2 family of cell death regulating proteins. Bcl-w is a newly described anti-apoptotic member of this family that may confer neuroprotective effects. We therefore investigated Bcl-w expression in rat brain following focally evoked limbic seizures. Seizures were induced by unilateral microinjection of kainic acid into the amygdala of the rat and terminated after 40 min by diazepam. Constitutive Bcl-w expression was detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Bcl-w expression was increased 4-72 h following seizures within the injured hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry determined Bcl-w was predominantly expressed in neurons and seizures increased Bcl-w immunoreactivity within piriform cortex and surviving regions of the injured hippocampus. These data suggest Bcl-w may be involved in the modulation of seizure-induced brain injury.

Caspase-2 activation is redundant during seizure-induced neuronal death

Seizure-induced neuronal death may be under the control of the caspase family of cell death proteases. We examined the role of caspase-2 in a model of focally evoked limbic seizures with continuous EEG recording. Seizures were elicited by microinjection of kainic acid into the amygdala of the rat and terminated after 40 min by diazepam. Caspase-2 was constitutively present in brain, mostly within neurons, and was detected in both cytoplasm and nucleus. Cleaved caspase-2 (12 kDa) was detected immediately following seizure termination within injured ipsilateral hippocampus, contiguous with increased Val-Asp-Val-Ala-Asp (VDVADase) activity, a putative measure of activated caspase-2. Expression of receptor interacting protein (RIP)-associated Ich-1-homologous protein with death domain (RAIDD) was increased following seizures, whereas expression of RIP and tumor necrosis factor receptor associated protein with death domain (TRADD), other components thought to be linked to the caspase-2 activation and signaling mechanism, were unchanged. Intracerebroventricular administration of z-VDVAD-fluoromethyl ketone blocked seizure-induced caspase-2 activity but did not alter caspase-8 activity and failed to affect DNA fragmentation or neuronal death. These data support activation of caspase-2 following seizures but suggest that parallel caspase pathways may circumvent deficits in caspase-2 function to complete the cell death process.

Kainate-induced genes in the hippocampus: lessons from expression patterns

Kainate, the analog of the excitatory amino acid L-glutamate, upon binding to non-NMDA glutamate receptors, causes depolarization of neurons followed by severe status epilepticus, neurodegeneration, plasticity and gliosis. These events are best observed in hippocampus, the limbic structure implicated in learning and long-term memory formation. Neurons in all hippocampal structures undergo hyper-activation, however, whereas the cells in the CA subfields degenerate within 2--3 days following the application of kainate, the granule cells of the dentate gyrus are resistant to any form of neurodegeneration and even initiate new synaptic contacts. These physiological and histological changes are modulated by short-term and long-term alterations in gene expression. Perhaps close examination of the changing spatio-temporal patterns of mRNAs of various genes may help in generating a clearer picture of the molecular events leading to complex cognitive functions.

Enhanced excitability induced by ionizing radiation in the kindled rat

Evidence derived from both clinical and experimental investigations has suggested an influence of ionizing radiation on focal epileptogenicity. To better characterize this influence we applied focal ionizing radiation to a kindled epileptic focus in the rat amygdala. The right and left basolateral amygdala and right frontal cortex were implanted with concentric bipolar electrodes. Rats were kindled through a minimum of 10 stage 5 seizures by afterdischarge-threshold electrostimulation of the left amygdala, after which generalized seizure thresholds were determined prior to irradiation. The left amygdala was exposed to single-fraction central-axis doses of either 18 or 25 Gy using a beam-collimated (60)Co source (1.25 MeV). Generalized seizure thresholds were then redetermined at weekly intervals for 10 weeks and at monthly intervals for an additional 3 months. We observed no significant changes in seizure threshold during the postirradiation interval; however, we did observe persistent changes in seizure dynamics manifesting within the first week postirradiation. These consisted of an increased tendency for seizure activity to propagate into brain stem circuits during the primary ictus (i.e., "running fits") and an increased tendency for secondary convulsions to emerge postictally. These effects involving seizure dynamics have not been reported previously and appear to represent a radiation-induced disinhibition of one or more neural circuits. The disparity between these effects and earlier reports of seizure-suppressive effects resulting from analogous radiation exposures is discussed in relation to kindling and status epilepticus-induced pathogenesis within the hippocampus.

Mutant presenilins disturb neuronal calcium homeostasis in the brain of transgenic mice, decreasing the threshold for excitotoxicity and facilitating long-term potentiation

Mutant human presenilin-1 (PS1) causes an Alzheimer's-related phenotype in the brain of transgenic mice in combination with mutant human amyloid precursor protein by means of increased production of amyloid peptides (Dewachter, I., Van Dorpe, J., Smeijers, L., Gilis, M., Kuiperi, C., Laenen, I., Caluwaerts, N., Moechars, D., Checler, F., Vanderstichele, H. & Van Leuven, F. (2000) J. Neurosci. 20, 6452-6458) that aggravate plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid (Van Dorpe, J., Smeijers, L., Dewachter, I., Nuyens, D., Spittaels, K., van den Haute, C., Mercken, M., Moechars, D., Laenen, I., Kuipéri, C., Bruynseels, K., Tesseur, I., Loos, R., Vanderstichele, H., Checler, F., Sciot, R. & Van Leuven, F. (2000) J. Am. Pathol. 157, 1283-1298). This gain of function of mutant PS1 is approached here in three paradigms that relate to glutamate neurotransmission. Mutant but not wild-type human PS1 (i) lowered the excitotoxic threshold for kainic acid in vivo, (ii) facilitated hippocampal long-term potentiation in brain slices, and (iii) increased glutamate-induced intracellular calcium levels in isolated neurons. Prominent higher calcium responses were triggered by thapsigargin and bradykinin, indicating that mutant PS modulates the dynamic release and storage of calcium ions in the endoplasmatic reticulum. In reaction to glutamate, overfilled Ca(2+) stores resulted in higher than normal cytosolic Ca(2+) levels, explaining the facilitated long-term potentiation and enhanced excitotoxicity. The lowered excitotoxic threshold for kainic acid was also observed in mice transgenic for mutant human PS2[N141I] and was prevented by dantrolene, an inhibitor of Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid(A) neurotransmission and cerebral ischemia

In this review, we present evidence for the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal death. While glutamate neurotransmission has received widespread attention in this area of study, relatively few investigators have focused on the ischemia-induced alterations in inhibitory neurotransmission. We present a review of the effects of cerebral ischemia on pre and postsynaptic targets within the GABAergic synapse. Both in vitro and in vivo models of ischemia have been used to measure changes in GABA synthesis, release, reuptake, GABA(A) receptor expression and activity. Cellular events generated by ischemia that have been shown to alter GABA neurotransmission include changes in the Cl(-) gradient, reduction in ATP, increase in intracellular Ca(2+), generation of reactive oxygen species, and accumulation of arachidonic acid and eicosanoids. Neuroprotective strategies to increase GABA neurotransmission target both sides of the synapse as well, by preventing GABA reuptake and metabolism and increasing GABA(A) receptor activity with agonists and allosteric modulators. Some of these strategies are quite efficacious in animal models of cerebral ischemia, with sedation as the only unwanted side-effect. Based on promising animal data, clinical trials with GABAergic drugs are in progress for specific types of stroke. This review attempts to provide an understanding of the mechanisms by which GABA neurotransmission is sensitive to cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, we discuss how dysfunction of GABA neurotransmission may contribute to neuronal death and how neuronal death can be prevented by GABAergic drugs.

Mitochondrial superoxide production in kainate-induced hippocampal damage

The objective of this study was to determine the role of mitochondrial superoxide radical-mediated oxidative damage in seizure-induced neuronal death. Using aconitase inactivation as an index of superoxide production, we found that systemic administration of kainate in rats increased mitochondrial superoxide production in the hippocampus at times preceding neuronal death. 8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, an oxidative lesion of DNA, was also increased in the rat hippocampus following kainate administration. Manganese(III) tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin, a catalytic antioxidant, inhibited kainate-induced mitochondrial superoxide production, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine formation and neuronal loss in the rat hippocampus. Kainate-induced increases of mitochondrial superoxide production and hippocampal neuronal loss were attenuated in transgenic mice overexpressing mitochondrial superoxide dismutase-2. We propose that these results demonstrate a role for mitochondrial superoxide production in hippocampal pathology produced by kainate seizures.

Anticonvulsant action and long-term effects of gabapentin in the immature brain

The anticonvulsant action and the long-term effects on learning, memory and behavior of the new generation antiepileptic drug gabapentin (GBP) were investigated in immature animals. Kainic acid (KA) was administered to rats on postnatal day (P) 35. Animals were treated with GBP or saline from P36 to P75 and spontaneous seizure frequency was monitored. After tapering the drug, the rats were tested in the water maze and open field test. Brains were then analyzed for histological lesions. Animals treated with GBP following KA-induced status epilepticus had a reduced incidence of spontaneous recurrent seizures, a better pathology score, and less aggressiveness compared to saline-treated controls. Effectiveness of GBP on seizure threshold was tested using flurothyl inhalation in 10 separate age groups of animals ranging from the newborn period to adulthood. Furthermore, GBP plasma concentration peaks were determined in all age groups. At all ages, GBP pre-treated animals demonstrated a higher seizure threshold. Plasma GBP concentrations did not significantly change with age. These data suggest that acute administration of a single therapeutic dose of GBP increases the seizure threshold at all ages studied, while chronic treatment following the status reduces spontaneous seizure frequency and cell damage and has no long-term adverse consequences on cognitive processes during development.

Neuroprotective role of dopamine against hippocampal cell death

Glutamate excitotoxicity plays a key role in the induction of neuronal cell death occurring in many neuropathologies, including epilepsy. Systemic administration of the glutamatergic agonist kainic acid (KA) is a well characterized model to study epilepsy-induced brain damage. KA-evoked seizures in mice result in hippocampal cell death, with the exception of some strains that are resistant to KA excitotoxicity. Little is known about the factors that prevent epilepsy-related neurodegeneration. Here we show that dopamine has such a function through the activation of the D2 receptor (D2R). D2R gene inactivation confers susceptibility to KA excitotoxicity in two mouse strains known to be resistant to KA-induced neurodegeneration. D2R-/- mice develop seizures when administered KA doses that are not epileptogenic for wild-type (WT) littermates. The spatiotemporal pattern of c-fos and c-jun mRNA induction well correlates with the occurrence of seizures in D2R-/- mice. Moreover, KA-induced seizures result in extensive hippocampal cell death in D2R-/- but not WT mice. In KA-treated D2R-/- mice, hippocampal neurons die by apoptosis, as indicated by the presence of fragmented DNA and the induction of the proapoptotic protein BAX. These results reveal a central role of D2Rs in the inhibitory control of glutamate neurotransmission and excitotoxicity.

Regulation of X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein in kainic acid-induced neuronal death in the rat hippocampus

XIAP (X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein) is an antiapoptotic protein which inhibits the activity of caspases and suppresses cell death. However, little is known about the presence and function of XIAP in the nervous system. Here we report that XIAP mRNA is expressed in developing and adult rat brain. Using a specific antibody, we observed XIAP-immunoreactive cells in different brain regions, among others, in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Kainic acid, which induces delayed cell death of specific neurons, increased the levels of XIAP in the CA3 region of hippocampus. XIAP was, however, largely absent in cells undergoing cell death, as shown by TUNEL labeling and staining for active caspase-3. In cultured hippocampal neurons, XIAP was initially upregulated by kainic acid and then degraded in a process blocked by the caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD. Similarly, recombinant XIAP is cleaved by active caspase-3 in vitro. The results show that there is biphasic regulation of XIAP in the hippocampus following kainic acid and that XIAP becomes a target for caspase-3 activated during cell death in the hippocampus. The degradation of XIAP by kainic acid contributes to neuronal cell death observed in vulnerable neurons of the hippocampus after caspase activation.

[Pathophysiology of epileptic seizures and status epilepticus]

Primary and secondary epileptogenesis involves multiple genetic and acquired factors. Epileptogenesis is a complex result of combined factors including membrane factors, neurotransmitter and environmental factors. Ion channel-related diseases, GABA and glutamate dysfunction, and glial reaction intervene in different epileptic conditions. The understanding of the mechanisms which emphasize initiation and maintenance of status epilepticus (SE) are in progress. Prognosis of SE is related to the duration of epileptic activity and to the acute cerebral and systemic consequences. Delayed cellular and molecular alterations after SE are responsible for secondary epileptogenesis. Glutamate receptor activation is the main key point leading to an excessive intraneuronal accumulation of ionic calcium by which a cascade of reactions is induced. Apoptotic neuronal death, glial reaction axonal sprouting and neurogenesis contribute to a state of hyperexcitability and hypersynchrony. A better understanding of underlying mechanisms of epileptogenesis may serve the development of new drugs with both anticonvulsant and antiepileptic (prevention or neuroprotection) actions.

Neuronal death is an active, caspase-dependent process after moderate but not severe DNA damage

Mild insults to neurons caused by ischemia or glutamate induce apoptosis, whereas severe insults induce non apoptotic death, such as necrosis. The molecular targets that are damaged by these insults and ultimately induce cell death are not fully established. To determine if DNA damage can induce apoptotic or non apoptotic death depending on the severity, neurons were treated with up to 128 Gy of ionizing radiation. Such treatment induced a dose-related increase in DNA single-strand breaks but no immediate membrane disruption or lipid peroxidation. Following moderate doses of < or = 32 Gy, neuronal death had many characteristics of apoptosis including nuclear fragmentation and DNA laddering. Nuclear fragmentation and membrane breakdown after moderate DNA damage could be blocked by inhibition of active protein synthesis with cycloheximide and by inhibition of caspases. In contrast, cell death after doses of > 32 Gy was not blocked by cycloheximide or caspase inhibitors, and membrane breakdown occurred relatively early in the cell death process. These data suggest that cell death after high dose irradiation and severe DNA damage can occur by non apoptotic mechanisms and that blocking apoptotic pathways may not prevent death after severe damage.

Glutamate enhances DNA fragmentation in cultured spinal motor neurons of rat

The role of glutamate in the mechanism of spinal motor neuron death is not fully understood. With addition of glutamate to primary culture of 11-day-old rat spinal cord, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin in situ nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive nuclei were found in spinal large motor neurons from 24 h, and the number of TUNEL positive large motor neurons greatly increased at 48 h. In contrast, only a small number of large motor neurons became TUNEL positive at 48 h with addition of vehicle to the primary spinal cord culture. The present results show that excessive amount of glutamate enhances DNA fragmentation in developing large motor neuron of cultured spinal cord by involving in apoptotic process of the neurons.

GluR5,6,7 subunit immunoreactivity on apical pyramidal cell dendrites in hippocampus of schizophrenics and manic depressives

Recent postmortem studies have suggested that changes in the regulation of kainate-sensitive glutamate receptors (kainate receptors) in the hippocampus may play a role in schizophrenia. To explore this possibility further, the distribution of immunoreactivity (IR) for the GluR5,6,7 subunits of the KR was assessed in a cohort consisting of 15 normal controls, 15 schizophrenics, and 9 manic depressives matched for age and postmortem interval (PMI). Cross sections of hippocampus showed abundant GluR5,6,7-IR on apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons in the stratum radiatum and stratum moleculare. In normal controls, both the numerical and length density of IR dendrites were much higher in sector CA2 than in sectors CA3 or CA1. When data for the individual groups were separately examined, the schizophrenics showed a 30-35% reduction in the density of GluR5,6,7-IR dendrites found in both stratum radiatum and stratum moleculare of sectors CA3 and CA2, as well as proximal and middle portions of CA1. In CA2, the magnitude of this decrease in schizophrenia was 2.5 times larger than that seen in any of the other sectors. For the manic depressive group, no significant differences were observed in any sectors or laminae examined. The potential confounding effects of either age, PMI, or neuroleptic exposure do not explain the reduced density of IR dendrites detected in the schizophrenic group. Taken together, the preferential reduction of GluR5,6,7-IR observed on apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons is consistent with a functional downregulation of the kainate receptor in the hippocampus of schizophrenic brain.

Differential DNA damage in response to the neonatal and adult excitotoxic hippocampal lesion in rats

We examined the developmental profile of excitotoxin-induced nuclear DNA fragmentation using the transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) technique, as a marker of DNA damage and cell death in rats with neonatal and adult excitotoxic lesions of the ventral hippocampus. We hypothesized that infusion of neurotoxin may result in a differential pattern of cell death in neonatally and adult lesioned rats, both in the infusion site and in remote brain regions presumably involved in mediating behavioural changes observed in these animals. Brains of rats lesioned at 7 days of age and in adulthood were collected at several survival times 1-21 days after the lesion. In the lesioned neonates 1-3 days postlesion, marked increases in TUNEL-positive cells occurred in the ventral hippocampus, the site of neurotoxin infusion, and in a wide surrounding area. Adult lesioned brains showed more positive cells than controls only at the infusion site. In the lesioned neonates, TUNEL-labelled cells were also present in the striatum and nucleus accumbens 1 day postlesion but not at later survival times. Our findings indicate that cell death in remote regions is more prominent in immature than adult brains, that it may lead to distinct alterations in development of these brain regions, and thus may be responsible for functional differences between neonatally and adult lesioned rats.

Differential regulation of primary protein kinase C substrate (MARCKS, MLP, GAP-43, RC3) mRNAs in the hippocampus during kainic acid-induced seizures and synaptic reorganization

In the mature hippocampus, kainic acid seizures lead to excitotoxic cell death and synaptic reorganization in which granule cell axons (mossy fibers) form ectopic synapses on granule cell dendrites. In the present study, we examined the expression of four major, developmentally regulated protein kinase C (PKC) substrates (MARCKS, MLP, GAP-43, RC3), which have different subcellular and regional localizations in the hippocampus at several time points (6 hr, 12 hr, 18 hr, 24 hr, 48 hr, 5 days, or 15 days) following kainic acid seizures using in situ hybridization. Consistent with previous reports, following kainate seizures, GAP-43 mRNA expression exhibited a delayed and protracted elevation in the granule cell layer, which peaked at 24 hr, whereas expression in fields CA1 and CA3 remained relatively unchanged. Conversely, RC3 mRNA expression exhibited a delayed reduction in the granule cell layer that was maximal at 18 hr, as well as a reduction CA1 at 48 hr, whereas CA3 levels did not change. MARCKS mRNA expression in the granule cell layer and CA1 remained stable following kainate, although an elevation was observed in subfield CA3c at 12 hr. Similarly, MLP mRNA expression did not change in the granule cell layer or CA1 following kainate but exhibited a protracted elevation in subfields CA3b,c beginning at 6 hr post-kainate. Collectively these data demonstrate that different PKC substrate mRNAs exhibit unique expression profiles and regulation in the different cell fields of the mature hippocampus following kainic acid seizures and during subsequent synaptic reorganization. The expression profiles following kainate seizures bear resemblance to those observed during postnatal hippocampal development, which may indicate the recruitment of common regulatory mechanisms.

Seizure-induced neuronal necrosis: implications for programmed cell death mechanisms

PURPOSE

To determine definitively the morphology of neuronal death from lithium-pilocarpine (LPC)-and kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus (SE), and to correlate this with markers of DNA fragmentation that have been associated with cellular apoptosis. Endogenous glutamate release is probably responsible for neuronal death in both seizure models, because neuronal death in both is N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated.

METHODS

SE was induced for 3 hours in adult male Wistar rats with either LPC or KA, and 24 or 72 hours later the rats were killed. One group of rats had brain sections, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique, examined by light microscopy and by electron microscopy. A separate group of rats had DNA extracted from the same brain regions examined by electron microscopy in the first group. The extracted DNA was electrophoresed on an agarose gel with ethidium bromide and was examined for the presence or absence of internucleosomal DNA cleavage (DNA "laddering").

RESULTS

Twenty-four and 72 hours after 3 hours of LPC- or KA-induced SE, neuronal death in the hippocampus, amygdala, and piriform, entorhinal, and frontal cortices was morphologically necrotic, in spite of DNA laddering in these regions 24 and 72 hours after SE and positive TUNEL staining in some of the regions 72 hours after SE. Ultrastructurally, necrotic neurons were dark and shrunken, with cytoplasmic vacuoles and pyknotic nuclei with small, irregular, dispersed chromatin clumps.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results, together with those of other reports, suggest that programmed cell death-promoting mechanisms are activated by SE in neurons that become necrotic rather than apoptotic and point to the possibility that such mechanisms may contribute to SE-induced neuronal necrosis.

The aspirin metabolite sodium salicylate causes focal cerebral hemorrhage and cell death in rats with kainic acid-induced seizures

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), and its main metabolite sodium salicylate, have been shown to protect neurons from excitotoxic cell death in vitro. The objective of our study was to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of sodium salicylate in vivo in rats with kainic acid-induced seizures, a model for temporal lobe epilepsy in human patients. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injections of kainic acid either alone, or with sodium salicylate given before and for 40h after kainic acid injections. The control group received either phosphate-buffered saline or sodium salicylate without co-administration of kainic acid. Animals developed status epilepticus, which was aborted 1.5-2h later with diazepam. On day 3 following kainic acid-induced seizures, animals received bromodeoxyuridine to measure cellular proliferation, and were killed under anesthesia 24h later. Brains were removed, sectioned, and analysed for gross histological changes, evidence of hemorrhage, DNA fragmentation, cellular proliferation, and microglial immunohistochemistry. We report that sodium salicylate did not protect neurons from seizure-induced cell death, and to the contrary, it caused focal hemorrhage and cell death in the hippocampal formation and the entorhinal/piriform cortex of rats with kainic acid-induced seizures. Hemorrhage was never observed in animals that received vehicle, kainic acid or sodium salicylate only, which indicated that sodium salicylate exerted its effect only in animals with seizures, and was confined to select regions of the brain that undergo seizure activity. Large numbers of cells displaying DNA fragmentation were detected in the hippocampal formation, entorhinal/piriform cortex and the dorsomedial thalamic nucleus of rats that received kainic acid or kainic acid in combination with sodium salicylate. Bromodeoxyuridine immunohistochemistry revealed large numbers of proliferating cells in and around the areas with most severe neural injury induced by kainic acid or kainic acid co-administered with sodium salicylate. These same brain regions displayed intense staining with a microglia-specific marker, an indication of microglial activation in response to brain damage. In all cases, the degree of cell death, cell proliferation and microglia staining was more severe in animals that received the combination of kainic acid and sodium salicylate when compared to animals that received kainic acid alone. We hypothesize that our findings are attributable to sodium salicylate-induced blockade of cellular mechanisms that protect cells from calcium-mediated injury. These initial observations may have important clinical implications for patients with epilepsy who take aspirin while affected by these conditions, and should promote further investigation of this relationship.

Neuronal apoptosis after CNS injury: the roles of glutamate and calcium

While a role has been well established for excitotoxic necrosis in the pathogenesis of traumatic or ischemic damage to the CNS, accumulating evidence now suggests that apoptosis may also be a prominent contributor. In this review we focus on the role of glutamate and attendant intracellular calcium influx in triggering or modifying excitotoxic necrosis and apoptosis, raising the possibility that calcium influx may affect these two death pathways in opposite directions. Incorporating consideration of both pathways will probably be needed to develop the most effective neuroprotective treatments for CNS injury.

Neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the rat following electroconvulsive shock seizures

Electroconvulsive shock (ECS) seizures provide an animal model of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in humans. Recent evidence indicates that repeated ECS seizures can induce long-term structural and functional changes in the brain, similar to those found in other seizure models. We have examined the effects of ECS on neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the adult rat using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry, which identifies newly generated cells. Cells have also been labeled for neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) to identify neurons. One month following eight ECS seizures, ECS-treated rats had approximately twice as many BrdU-positive cells as sham-treated controls. Eighty-eight percent of newly generated cells colabeled with NeuN in ECS-treated subjects, compared to 83% in sham-treated controls. These data suggest that there is a net increase in neurogenesis within the hippocampal dentate gyrus following ECS treatment. Similar increases have been reported following kindling and kainic acid- or pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Increased neurogenesis appears to be a general response to seizure activity and may play a role in the therapeutic effects of ECT.

Blockade of the NMDA receptor increases developmental apoptotic elimination of granule neurons and activates caspases in the rat cerebellum

Elimination of neurons produced in excess naturally occurs during brain development through programmed cell death. Among the many survival factors affecting this process, a role for neurotransmitters acting on specific receptors has been suggested. We have performed an in vivo pharmacological blockade of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptors, using the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist CGP 39551 at developmental stages corresponding to those at which a survival dependence on the stimulation of this receptor has been demonstrated for cerebellar granule neurons explanted in culture (typically from postnatal day 7 to postnatal day 11 or 13). We were able to demonstrate an increased level of DNA fragmentation in the cerebellum of the treated rats. At the P11 stage, in particular, the fragmented DNA extracted from the cerebellum of CGP 39551-treated pups showed a clear laddering of nucleosomal fragments after agarose-gel electrophoresis. Accordingly, in situ TUNEL technique showed a remarkable increase of cells positive for nucleosomal DNA fragmentation, particularly in the inner granular layer of the cerebellum of treated rats at P11 stage. Therefore, the natural rate of apoptotic elimination of cerebellar granule neurons is considerably enhanced under conditions of pharmacological blockade of the NMDA receptor, thus demonstrating, for the first time in vivo, a clear survival dependence of these neurons upon the stimulation of the NMDA receptor. Concomitantly with the increased rate of apoptotic elimination of granule neurons, the activity of two death proteases of the caspase family, in particular of caspase 3 and caspase 1 at a lower extent, was remarkably increased in the cerebellum of the treated rats. On the contrary, a marker related to the normal differentiation process of granule neurons, the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase, was strongly decreased in its activity in the cerebellum of treated rat pups.

Melatonin is protective in necrotic but not in caspase-dependent, free radical-independent apoptotic neuronal cell death in primary neuronal cultures

To assess the neuroprotective potential of melatonin in apoptotic neuronal cell death, we investigated the efficacy of melatonin in serum-free primary neuronal cultures of rat cortex by using three different models of caspase-dependent apoptotic, excitotoxin-independent neurodegeneration and compared it to that in necrotic neuronal damage. Neuronal apoptosis was induced by either staurosporine or the neurotoxin ethylcholine aziridinium (AF64A) with a delayed occurrence of apoptotic cell death (within 72 h). The apoptotic component of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) unmasked by glutamate antagonists served as a third model. As a model for necrotic cell death, OGD was applied. Neuronal injury was quantified by LDH release and loss of metabolic activity. Although melatonin (0.5 mM) partly protected cortical neurons from OGD-induced necrosis, as measured by a significant reduction in LDH release, it was not effective in all three models of apoptotic cell death. In contrast, exaggeration of neuronal damage by melatonin was observed in native cultures as well as after induction of apoptosis. The present data suggest that the neuroprotectiveness of melatonin strongly depends on the model of neuronal cell death applied. As demonstrated in three different models of neuronal apoptosis, the progression of the apoptotic type of neuronal cell death cannot be withhold or is even exaggerated by melatonin, in contrast to its beneficial effect in the necrotic type of cell death.

Kainic acid-induced seizures produce necrotic, not apoptotic, neurons with internucleosomal DNA cleavage: implications for programmed cell death mechanisms

Prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) induced by kainic acid activate programmed cell death mechanisms, and it is believed that kainic acid-induced status epilepticus induces neuronal apoptosis. In order to test this hypothesis, adult rats were subjected to 3-h kainic acid-induced seizures, with 24- or 72-h recovery periods. Neuronal death was assessed by light microscopy with the Hematoxylin and Eosin stain and with in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL stain), by electron microscopy, and by agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA extracted from five vulnerable brain regions. Spontaneous and MK-801-induced apoptotic neurons from retrosplenial cortex of neonatal rats, evaluated by light and electron microscopy, were used as positive controls for apoptosis. Surprisingly, the large chromatin clumps of apoptotic neurons were TUNEL negative, whereas the cytoplasm showed light-to-moderate TUNEL staining, consistent with a lack of identifiable nuclear membranes ultrastructurally, and with intermingling of nuclear and cytoplasmic contents. Ultrastructurally, the acidophilic neurons produced by kainic acid-induced status epilepticus, identified with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, were dark, shrunken and necrotic, with pyknotic nuclei containing small, dispersed chromatin clumps, and with cytoplasmic vacuoles, some of which were swollen, disrupted mitochondria. No apoptotic cells were seen. Acidophilic neurons were found in up to 20 of 23 brain regions examined and comprised 10-25% of the total number of neurons examined. A subset of these neurons (<10% of the total number of neurons in five of 23 regions) had TUNEL-positive nuclei 72h but not 24h after status epilepticus. Internucleosomal DNA cleavage (DNA "laddering") occurred in the four most damaged brain regions examined by electron microscopy 24h after SE and the three most damaged regions 72h after status epilepticus. Our results demonstrate that kainic acid-induced status epilepticus produces neuronal necrosis and not apoptosis in adult rats. The necrotic neurons show nuclear pyknosis, chromatin condensation and DNA laddering. Programmed cell death mechanisms activated by kainic acid-induced status epilepticus occur in neurons which become necrotic and could contribute to necrotic, as well as apoptotic, neuronal death.

Electroconvulsive stimuli enhance both neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 and Y2 messenger RNA expression and levels of binding in the rat hippocampus

Repeated electroconvulsive stimulations and other seizure modalities produce an increase in neuropeptide Y synthesis and local release in the rat hippocampus, and perhaps as a consequence, a change in the concentration of neuropeptide Y binding sites in the same region. The aim of the present study was to determine possible changes in the expression of neuropeptide Y receptor subtypes affected by repeated stimulations in the hippocampus. Rats were exposed to 14 daily stimulations, and the brains were removed 24h after the last stimulation. For in vitro receptor autoradiography and in situ hybridisation histochemistry, the brains were frozen, sectioned, and levels of neuropeptide Y binding sites and messenger RNA expressions were determined quantitatively on sections from the same animals. In order to determine the contribution of different neuropeptide Y receptor subtypes, serial sections were incubated with either 125I-labelled peptide YY alone or the same radio-labelled peptide mixed with an excess of a number of displacing compounds with affinity for either neuropeptide Y receptor subtype Y1, Y2, or both. Binding studies revealed that the majority of peptide YY binding sites was represented by Y2, and that electroconvulsive stimulations reduced the binding capacity or the concentration of this receptor. A prominent reduction of Y1-preferring binding sites was determined in the dentate gyrus, and to a lesser extent in the CA1 and CA3 regions. Similarly, the treatment produced a significant reduction of Y2-preferring binding sites in the CA1 and CA3 region, but not in the granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus. Using semi-quantitative in situ hybridization, Y1 receptor messenger RNA level in the granular cell layer of the dentate increased by the stimulations. In the same region, Y2 receptor messenger RNA was expressed in low to undetectable amounts, but after the repeated stimulations, this transcript was found in moderate to high levels. These data suggest that the neuropeptide Yergic system in the dentate gyrus and the pyramidal cell layer are affected by the treatment, and that this includes both Y1 and Y2 receptor subtypes. Because levels of messenger RNA and binding are distinctly regulated, the turnover of both Y1 and Y2 molecules is strongly increased under electroconvulsive stimulations, suggesting that the intrahippocampal neuropeptide Yergic neurotransmission is also increased under the stimulations.

Ultrastructural identification of dentate granule cell death from pilocarpine-induced seizures

Cell loss in the hippocampal formation is a common event in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The belief that dentate granule neurons are relatively resistant to excitotoxic injury has recently been challenged both, in epileptic patients and in animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy. The nature of dentate granule cell damage in epilepsy has been reported as either apoptotic, necrotic or both. The lack of a consensus on this topic stems from use of different animal models and different experimental techniques for characterizing the apoptotic/necrotic process. Using electron microscopy for defining the, nature of cell loss and one of the main animal models of status epilepticus (SE) we have focussed on the nature of the degenerative process in dentate granule cells. Ultrastructural morphological changes of these cells were evaluated 2.5-48 h after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. A variety of morphologies ranging from apoptosis to necrosis, could be seen at 2.5 h after SE onset and continued at least over the following 48 h. Some cells displayed coalescence of chromatin against nuclear membranes. In such cases however, chromatin did not have well-defined edges (as it should, if it were apoptosis). Condensation of cytoplasm. present in both processes was also frequently found. Neither obvious apoptotic budding-off of cytoplasm nor typical membrane-bound apoptotic bodies were found. Our results indicate that in the dentate granule cell layer pilocarpine-induced SE promotes a degenerative process in which apoptotic and necrotic features overlap.

Alterations in bcl-2 and caspase gene family protein expression in human temporal lobe epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

To address the role of cell death regulatory genes of the bcl-2 and caspase families in the neuropathology of human epilepsy using tissue extracted from patients undergoing temporal lobectomy for intractable seizures.

METHODS

Using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, the authors investigated the expression of bcl-2, bcl-xL, bax, caspase-1,and caspase-3 in temporal cortex samples from patients who had undergone temporal lobectomy surgery for intractable epilepsy (n = 19). Nonepileptic postmortem tissue from a brain bank served as control (n = 6).

RESULTS

Western blot analysis demonstrated significant increases in levels of bcl-2 and bcl-xL protein in seizure brain compared to control. Cleavage of caspase-1 was evidenced by a reduction in levels of the 45 kDa proenzyme form and an increase in levels of the p10 fragment. Levels of the 32 kDa proenzyme form of caspase-3 were elevated in seizure patients, as were levels of the 12 kDa cleaved fragment. Bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3 immunoreactivity was increased predominantly in cells with the morphologic appearance of neurons, whereas bcl-xL immunoreactivity was increased in cells with the appearance of glia. DNA fragmentation was detected in some but not all sections from epileptic brain samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Cell death regulatory genes of the bcl-2 and caspase families may play a role in ongoing neuropathologic processes in human epilepsy, and offer novel targets as an adjunct to anticonvulsant therapy.

Is epilepsy a progressive disease? The neurobiological consequences of epilepsy

While primary, or idiopathic, epilepsies may exist, in the vast majority of cases epilepsy is a symptom of an underlying brain disease or injury. In these cases, it is difficult if not impossible to dissociate the consequences of epilepsy from the consequences of the underlying disease, the treatment of either the disease or the epilepsy, or the actual seizures themselves. Several cases of apparent complications of epilepsy are presented to illustrate the range of consequences encountered in clinical practice and the difficulty in assigning blame for progressive symptomatology in individual cases. Because of the difficulty in interpreting clinical material, many investigators have turned to epilepsy models in order to address the potential progressive consequences of recurrent seizures. The authors review experimental data, mainly from animal models, that illustrate short-, medium-, and long-term morphological and biochemical changes in the brain occurring after seizures, and attempt to relate these observations to the human condition.

Differential progression of Dark Neuron and Fluoro-Jade labelling in the rat hippocampus following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus

To investigate the progression of cellular injury in a model of hippocampal epileptogenesis, we used two histochemical methods reported to specifically label injured neurons, the Dark Neuron stain and Fluoro-Jade. Pilocarpine was administered systemically (380mg/kg i.p.) to induce status epilepticus. The duration of status epilepticus was controlled to last 1h by stopping it with diazepam (4mg/kg i.p.). The progression of cellular damage was quantified at six specific time points following the initial pilocarpine-induced insult: 3h, 6h, 12h, 24h, one week, and three weeks. To assess, in parallel, neuronal loss in specific hippocampal regions throughout epileptogenesis, the neuronal nuclear protein NeuN was used as a specific marker of neurons. Results revealed a different time-dependent progression of Dark Neuron and Fluoro-Jade labelling following status epilepticus. A significantly greater proportion of silver-impregnated cells labelled by the Dark Neuron stain was quantified in the stratum radiatum and stratum pyramidale of CA1 at the early time point of 3h compared with the proportion of Fluoro-Jade labelling in adjacent sections. In contrast, the maximal staining with Fluoro-Jade appeared at a later stage during epileptogenesis (between 24h and one week), with a significantly greater proportion of neurons labelled compared to the Dark Neuron stain in the stratum radiatum of CA1, stratum pyramidale of CA1, stratum radiatum of CA3 and the polymorphic layer of the dentate gyrus. Neurons from control animals were not significantly labelled by either of the two staining methods. Interestingly, the increase in Fluoro-Jade labelling corresponded in time to neuron loss. The two stains therefore appear to highlight separate processes of neuronal damage. This finding indicates that distinct cellular events take place at different stages of epileptogenesis, which may differ considerably from the permanent changes observed in chronically epileptic tissue.

Regulation of serotonin release by GABA and excitatory amino acids

Regulation of serotonin release by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate was examined by microdialysis in unanaesthetized rats. The GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol, or the glutamate receptor agonists kainate, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolaproprionate or N-methyl-D-aspartate were infused into the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) while extracellular serotonin was measured in the DRN and nucleus accumbens. Muscimol produced decreases, and the glutamate receptor agonists produced increases in serotonin. To determine if these receptors have a tonic influence on serotonergic neurons, glutamate or GABA(A) receptor antagonists were infused into the DRN. Kynurenate, a nonselective glutamate receptor blocker, produced a small, 30% decrease in serotonin. A similar decrease was obtained with combined infusion of AP-5 and DNQX into the DRN. The GABAA receptor blocker bicuculline produced an approximately three-fold increase in DRN serotonin. In conclusion, glutamate neurotransmitters have a weak tonic excitatory influence on serotonergic neurons in the rat DRN. However, the predominate influence is mediated by GABA(A) receptors.

Co-existence of necrosis and apoptosis in rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia

Morphological changes of CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampus at different intervals following transient forebrain ischemia were examined to determine the nature of post-ischemic cell death in these regions. In the CA1 region, swelling of small dendrites occurred at approximately 24 h reperfusion. At approximately 48 h reperfusion, swelling was found in large dendrites of many CA1 neurons and the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were dilated. A small portion of neurons showed chromatin aggregation and nuclear indentation without swelling signs. At approximately 60 h reperfusion, swelling of somata was evident in many neurons. Large dense chromatin clumps with round or ovoid contour were found in other neurons. At 72 and 96 h after ischemia, many large vacuoles and glias with active phagocytosis were observed. At 7 days after ischemia, the tissue was compact and many glias were found in the region. Most of the CA3 neurons had normal appearance after ischemia. A total of 5-10% CA3 neurons exhibited shrinking nuclei and chromatin aggregation at approximately 24 h reperfusion. The number of these neurons decreased overtime and disappeared at 72 h after ischemia. These results demonstrate the co-existence of necrosis and apoptosis in the CA1 region after transient forebrain ischemia. Most CA3 neurons remained intact after ischemia while a small portion of them showed apoptotic cell death.

Role of desensitization of AMPA receptors on the neuronal viability and on the [Ca2+]i changes in cultured rat hippocampal neurons

We investigated the role of desensitization of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptors on the neurotoxicity and on the [Ca2+]i changes induced by kainate or by AMPA in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. The neuronal viability was evaluated either by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, or by analysis of cell morphology. Short-term exposure of the neurons to kainate or AMPA (30 min) was not toxic, but the exposure for 24 h to the excitotoxic drugs caused a concentration-dependent neurotoxic effect which was prevented by LY 303070, a noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist. In the presence of cyclothiazide (CTZ), kainate or AMPA was toxic (30 min exposure), or the toxic effect was significantly enhanced (24 h exposure), but in this case LY 303070 did not completely protect the cells against kainate-induced toxicity. The alterations in the [Ca2+]i caused by kainate or AMPA showed a great cell-to-cell variability. LY 303070 completely or partially inhibited the responses stimulated by kainate. CTZ differentially affected the responses evoked by kainate or AMPA. In the majority of hippocampal neurons, CTZ did not potentiate, or only slightly potentiated, the kainate-stimulated responses but in 11% of neurons there was a great potentiation. In AMPA-stimulated neurons, the responses were slightly or greatly potentiated in the majority of neurons, but not in all of them. The results show that AMPA and kainate may be toxic, depending on the time of exposure and on the blockade of the desensitization of the AMPA receptors. Overall, our results clearly show that there exist different populations of hippocampal neurons with different sensitivities to kainate, AMPA, CTZ and LY 303070. Moreover, the effects of CTZ on both [Ca2+]i alterations and neurotoxicity are not fully correlated.

Seizures induce widespread upregulation of cystatin B, the gene mutated in progressive myoclonus epilepsy, in rat forebrain neurons

Loss of function mutations in the gene encoding the cysteine protease inhibitor, cystatin B (CSTB), are responsible for the primary defect in human progressive myoclonus epilepsy (EPM1). CSTB inhibits the cathepsins B, H, L and S by tight reversible binding, but little is known regarding its localization and physiological function in the brain and the relation between the depletion of the CSTB protein and the clinical symptoms in EPM1. We have analysed the expression of mRNA and protein for CSTB in the adult rat brain using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. In the control brains, the CSTB gene was differentially expressed with the highest levels in the hippocampal formation and reticular thalamic nucleus, and moderate levels in amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus and cortical areas. Detectable levels of CSTB were found in virtually all forebrain neurons but not in glial cells. Following 40 rapidly recurring seizures evoked by hippocampal kindling stimulations, CSTB mRNA expression showed marked bilateral increases in the dentate granule cell layer, CA1 and CA4 pyramidal layers, amygdala, and piriform and parietal cortices. Maximum levels were detected at 6 or 24 h, and expression had reached control values at 1 week post-seizures. The changes of mRNA expression were accompanied by transient elevations (at 6-24 h) of CSTB protein in the same brain areas. These findings demonstrate that seizure activity leads to rapid and widespread increases of the synthesis of CSTB in forebrain neurons. We propose that the upregulation of CSTB following seizures may counteract apoptosis by binding cysteine proteases.

Excitotoxic profile of LY339434, a GluR5 agonist, in cultured murine cortical neurons

The neurotoxic profile of (2S,4R, 6E)-2-amino-4-carboxy-7-(2-naphthyl)hept-6-enoic acid (LY339434), a low-affinity kainate receptor subtype 5 (GluR5) agonist at recombinant human glutamate receptors, was evaluated to investigate the involvement of GluR5 in excitotoxic neuronal death. Murine cortical neurons were exposed to treatments for 24 h and assessed by a cell viability assay and phase-contrast microscopy. LY339434 (1-1000 microM) caused a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability (EC(50)=11.4+/-1.2 microM) that was only attenuated by (5R, 10S)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5, 10-imine (MK-801, 10 microM), but not by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; 50 microM) or 1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine (GYKI 52466, 20 microM). Labeling with nucleic acid binding dyes revealed that LY339434 induced few apoptotic-like characteristics. These findings indicate that in cultured murine cortical neurons, LY339434 acts predominantly through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors rather than GluR5 to effect neuronal death that is rapid and involves predominantly necrosis rather than morphological apoptosis.

Human Bcl-2 protects against AMPA receptor-mediated apoptosis

Dysfunctions of the (S)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) subtype of ionotropic receptor for the brain's major excitatory neurotransmitter, L-glutamate, occur in various neurological conditions. We have previously demonstrated that AMPA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity occurs by apoptosis and here examined the influence of the expression of cell death repressor gene Bcl-2 on this excitotoxic insult. Using neuronal cortical cultures prepared from transgenic mice expressing the human Bcl-2 gene, the influence of Bcl-2 on AMPA receptor-mediated neuronal death was compared with that seen with staurosporine and H2O2. At day 6 cultures were exposed to AMPA (0.1-100 microM), and cellular injury was analyzed 48 h after insult using phase-contrast microscopy, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide viability assay, and DNA staining with 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and Sytox Green. AMPA produced a concentration-dependent increase in cell death that was significantly attenuated by human Bcl-2. AMPA (3 microM) increased the number of apoptotic nuclei to 60% of control in wild-type cultures, and human Bcl-2 significantly decreased the number of apoptotic nuclei to 30% of AMPA-treated cultures. Human Bcl-2 only provided significant neuroprotection against neuronal injury induced by low concentrations of staurosporine (1-10 nM) and H2O2 (0.1-30 microM) and where neuronal death was by apoptosis, but not against H2O2-induced necrosis. Our findings indicate that overexpression of Bcl-2 in primary cultured neurons protects in an insult-dependent manner against AMPA receptor-mediated apoptosis, whereas protection was not seen against more traumatic insults. This study provides new insights into the molecular therapeutics of neurodegenerative conditions.

Low-affinity kainate receptor agonists induce insult-dependent apoptosis and necrosis in cultured murine cortical neurons

Overstimulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors leads to excitotoxic neuronal death, which has been implicated in the neurodegeneration of neurological diseases. The present study examined the role of putative low-affinity kainate receptor subtype (GluR5-7) agonists in excitotoxicity in cultured murine cortical neurons. The concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability induced by the agonists kainate (1-1,000 microM) and (RS)-2-amino-3-(hydroxy-5-tert-butylisoxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid (ATPA; 1-1,000 microM) was only attenuated by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; 10 microM) and 1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine (GYKI 52466; 20 microM). (S)-5-iodowillardiine (1-1,000 microM)-induced toxicity was attenuated by CNQX (20 microM), GYKI 52466 (20 microM) and MK-801 (10 microM); however, (2S, 4R)-4-methylglutamate (1-120 microM)-induced toxicity was not attenuated by the antagonists. None of the agonists possessed selective actions at GluR5-7. Morphological observations (phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopy) revealed that the agonists induced two distinct patterns of neuronal injury. After 24 hr of treatment, low concentrations of agonists (1-30 microM) produced cellular shrinkage and nuclear granulation consistent with slow, apoptotic-like neuronal death. Pyknotic labeling with the DNA binding dye Sytox green confirmed these apoptotic characteristics, which significantly decreased with increasing concentrations. After 4 hr, increasing concentrations of agonists (100-1,000 microM) induced cellular swelling, with subsequent extracellular debris; labeling with propidium iodide revealed isolated nuclei consistent with the increased involvement of rapid necrosis. Thus, all putative GluR5-7 agonists produced excitotoxicity across a necrotic-apoptotic continuum in murine cortical neuron cultures.

Spatio-temporal profile of DNA fragmentation and its relationship to patterns of epileptiform activity following focally evoked limbic seizures

The specific electrographic activity responsible for seizure-induced DNA damage remains little explored. We therefore examined the regional and temporal appearance of DNA fragmentation and cell death and its relationship to specific electrographic seizure patterns in a rat model of focally evoked limbic epilepsy. Animals received intra-amygdaloid injection of kainic acid (KA) to induce seizures for 45 min during continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring, after which diazepam (30 mg/kg) was administered. DNA polymerase I-mediated biotin-dATP nick translation (PANT) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) were used to detect single- and double-stranded DNA breaks, respectively. Injection of 0.01 microg KA induced seizures characterized by ictal fast activity but without consequent brain injury. By contrast, 0.1 microg KA induced an additional pattern of seizure activity characterized by bursts of high frequency polyspike paroxysmal discharges. In these animals, there was a significant reduction in numbers of pyramidal neurons within the ipsilateral and contralateral CA3 subfield of the hippocampus, detectable as little as 4 h following seizures. PANT- and TUNEL-positive cells appeared in similar numbers 16 h following seizure cessation within the CA3, declining after 72-96 h. Varying the duration of polyspike paroxysmal discharges determined that as little as 30 s elicited maximal injury. These data suggest single- and double-stranded DNA breaks are generated during the cell death process and are consequent on a specific component of seizure activity electrographically determined.

Neuroprotective effects of chronic estradiol benzoate treatment on hippocampal cell loss induced by status epilepticus in the female rat

Neuroprotective properties of estrogen are supported by extensive experimental evidence. In this study, the effects of estrogen were examined on the neurodegeneration secondary to status epilepticus induced by kainic acid in the rat. Chronic supplementation of ovariectomized rats with estradiol benzoate (20 microg/day) did not modify the expression of seizures monitored by electroencephalography, but significantly reduced cellular loss in the hippocampus. This neuroprotection was in particular observed in the dentate hilus and CA3 pyramidal layer when treatment with estradiol benzoate was started five days before status epilepticus induction. These findings suggest that estrogen can exert neuroprotective effects in a model of status epilepticus, in the absence of anti-epileptic properties.

Delayed apoptotic pyramidal cell death in CA4 and CA1 hippocampal subfields after a single intraseptal injection of kainate

We have performed a detailed time-course analysis of cell death in the hippocampal formation, basal forebrain and amygdala following a single intraseptal injection of kainate in adult rats. Acetylcholinesterase histochemistry revealed a profound loss of staining in the medial septum but not in the diagonal band, and cholinergic fiber density was highly reduced in the hippocampus and amygdala at 10 days postinjection. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5'-triphosphatebiotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) histochemistry was performed for precise location of apoptotic cells. Both the medial septum and amygdala exhibited numerous TUNEL-positive nuclei after the intraseptal injection of kainate, while the lateral septum exhibited a lower but significant incidence in terms of apoptotic cells. In the medial septum, the presence of apoptotic cells was at a location displaying acetylcholinesterase staining. TUNEL histochemistry revealed a time-dependent sequential apoptotic cell death in hippocampal pyramidal cells. During the first two days postinjection, apoptosis in the hippocampus was only evident in the CA3 region. At five days postinjection, the entire CA4 region became apoptotic. At 10 days postinjection, the whole extent of the CA1 pyramidal cell layer exhibited numerous TUNEL-positive nuclei. The time-course of kainate-induced apoptosis in Ammons's horn correlated with the disappearance of hippocampal pyramidal neurons as detected by Nissl staining, which is suggestive of a prominent apoptotic death for these cells. The temporal delayed distant damage to CA4 and CA1 hippocampal subfields after a single intraseptal kainate injection is not seen in other models employing kainate and may be a valuable tool for exploring the cellular mechanisms leading to cell death in conditions of status epilepticus.

Implications of p53 protein expression in experimental spinal cord injury

In order to clarify the role of p53, known as a tumor suppressor protein and also as a key molecule of apoptotic cell death, we have studied p53 expression in relation to localization, time course, cell type, and TUNEL reaction in a rat model of transectional spinal cord injury. Other apoptosis related molecules, p21, Bcl-2 and Bax, that are in the cascade of p53 pathway, were also examined. p53 was expressed in cells residing in the vicinity of transection as early as 30 min. For the next 2 days, the positive cells spread in distribution, increased in number, and thereafter decreased. p53 immunoreactivity was localized primarily to the nucleus but not to cytoplasm. Double-staining with glial cell markers revealed that p53 immunoreactivity was often co-localized in microglia, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, but not in neurons. In view of the results of the double-staining of p53 and Bcl-2, Bax or TUNEL, a variety of apoptosis-related molecules are expressed with p53, all within the first three days of injury. Further, the process of apoptosis via the p53, pathway appears complex even in this simple model of CNS injury. Our study suggests that the manipulation of these apoptosis-related molecules may prove useful in modifying the cell and tissue damage in traumatic CNS injury.

Formation of the base modification 8-hydroxyl-2'-deoxyguanosine and DNA fragmentation following seizures induced by systemic kainic acid in the rat

The formation of oxidative DNA damage as a consequence of seizures remains little explored. We therefore investigated the regional and temporal profile of 8-hydroxyl-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) formation, a hallmark of oxidative DNA damage and DNA fragmentation in rat brain following seizures induced by systemic kainic acid (KA). Formation of 8-OHdG was determined via HPLC with electrochemical detection, and single- and double-stranded DNA breaks were detected using in situ DNA polymerase I-mediated biotin-dATP nick-translation (PANT) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated nick end-labeling (TUNEL), respectively. Systemic KA (11 mg/kg) significantly increased levels of 8-OHdG within the thalamus after 2 h, within the amygdala/piriform cortex after 4 h, and within the hippocampus after 8 h. Levels remained elevated up to sevenfold within these areas for 72 h. Smaller increases in 8-OHdG levels were also detected within the parietal cortex and striatum. PANT-positive cells were detected within the thalamus, amygdala/piriform cortex, and hippocampus 24-72 h following KA injection. TUNEL-positive cells appeared within the same brain regions and over a similar time course (24-72 h) but were generally lower in number. The present data suggest oxidative damage to DNA may be an early consequence of epileptic seizures and a possible initiation event in the progression of seizure-induced injury to DNA fragmentation and cell death.

Enhancement of progenitor cell division in the dentate gyrus triggered by initial limbic seizures in rat models of epilepsy

PURPOSE

Mitogenic effects of seizures on granule cell progenitors in the dentate gyrus were studied in two rat models of epilepsy. We investigated which stage of epileptogenesis is critical for eliciting progenitor cell division and whether seizure-induced neuronal degeneration is responsible for the enhancement of progenitor cell division.

METHODS

Seizures were induced by either kainic acid (KA) administration or electrical kindling. Neurogenesis of dentate granule cells was evaluated using the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling method, and neuronal degeneration was assessed by in situ DNA fragmentation analysis.

RESULTS

After injection of KA, the number of BrdU-positive granule cells began to increase at day 3 after the treatment, peaked at day 5, and returned to baseline at day 10. By day 13, the values were lower than control. After kindling, the number of BrdU-positive cells began to increase after five consecutive experiences of stage I seizures. The increase occurred from day 1 to day 3 after the last electrical stimulation, but returned to baseline by day 7. After generalized seizures were well established, repeated stimulation did not facilitate division of granule cell progenitors. DNA fragmentation was noted in pyramidal neurons in the CA1, CA3, and hilus regions at 18 h after KA injection, but not in the kindling model.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations indicate that a mechanism in epileptogenesis boosts dentate progenitor cell division, but progenitor cells may become unreactive to prolonged generalized seizures. Pyramidal neuronal degeneration is not necessary for triggering the upregulation. It is suggested that newly born granule cells may play a role in the network reorganization that occurs during epileptogenesis.

Developmental seizures induced by common early-life insults: short- and long-term effects on seizure susceptibility

The immature brain is highly susceptible to seizures induced by a variety of insults, including hypoxia, fever, and trauma. Unlike early life epilepsy associated with congenital dysplasias or genetic abnormalities, insults induce a hyperexcitable state in a previously normal brain. Here we evaluate the epileptogenic effects of seizure-inducing stimuli on the developing brain, and the age and regional specificity of these effects.

Induction of inducible heme oxygenase (HO-1) in the central nervous system: is HO-1 helpful or harmful?

Heme oxygenase (HO) produced biliverdin and bilirubin, which are powerful antioxidants, therefore, it has been proposed as helpful against oxidative stress. In contrast, HO also produces iron, and it could increase oxidative stress if not handled property. To clarify the effect of HO, i.e., helpful or harmful, we examined the expression, localization, and induction mechanism of HO-1 in the rat hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia and injection of kainic acid (KA). Following ischemia, HO-1 expression was observed early but transiently in the CA1 pyramidal neurons and later but continuously in glial cells. In addition, HO-1-expressing pyramidal neurons were colocalized well with phosphorylated c-Jun, which is a critical step in neuronal apoptosis. After injection of KA, HO-1 expression was observed only in glial cells but not neurons, and HO-1 expression was observed in predominantly ameboid microglia, along with a few astrocytes. HO-1-expressing ameboid microglia expressed major histocompatibility complex class II antigen, suggesting strong activation. These results suggested that HO-1 may have double-edged effects, and its effects may be depend on the cell type. This short review is intended to highlight on the effect of HO-1 in neurodegeneration.