Study Of Astrocyte In Epilepsy And Antiepilepsy By VNS

Objective: to investigate astrocytes in forebrain neuclei mediating the onset of epilepsy and antiepilspsy effect of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).Methods: Using Fos immunolabeling method, changes of Fos like immunoreactive cells in the forebrain nuclei were quantitatively evaluated in VNS treatment of epileptic rats induced by kainic acid. Using GFAP immunolabeling method , changes of GFAP-labeling cells were observed. Using Fos and GFAP double-labeled techniques, co-existing of the Fos/GFAP double-labeled cells were observed . Furthermore, effects of VNS on ultrastructures of the astrocytes were studied by transmission electron microscopy technique. Result: 1. Epileptic-like behaviors neither occurred in the control nor VNS groups, the Racine score was 0. While, the seizure activities were observed in KA and VNS+KA groups. The Racine score was IV- V and III respectively.2. a significant increase of Fos like immunoreactive cells can be observed in prepirform cortex , amygdaloid body, Pv and Pa by KA and VNS compared with the control group. A notable decrease appeared in VNS+KA group compared with KA group.No expression of Fos like immunoreactive cells can be observed in hippocampus and denent gynus in VNS group and control group, while a notable decrease...