Effect of repetitive seizures on NR2b subunit of NMDAR in rat hippocampus

GONZÁLES NN, AUZMENDI JA, WEIGEL MUÑOZ M AND GIRARDI E.

Pinamar, Buenos Aires

Congreso; 41 Reunión anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigaciones Bioquímicas y Biología Molecular (SAIB), 20 Reunión Anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Neuroquimica (SAN) y 10 Reunión de la Asociación Panamericana de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular (PABMB).; 2005

SAIB, SAN, PABMB

In previous work in our laboratory, we have reported modifications of specific ligand binding to rat brain NMDA receptors, after the administration of the convulsant drug 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MP). NMDAR is an heteromeric complexes containing NR1 and different NR2 subunits which determine distinct functional properties. The objective of this work is to study the effect of MP-induced seizure on NR2B. Methods: Wistar rats (250-300g) were injected with MP 45mg/kg i.p. during 4 and 7 days. Control rats were injected with saline. One day after the last injection, brain were processed for immunohystochemical assays using antiNR2B and the PAP technique. Results: The studies on control rat hippocampal slices showed immunostaining in CA2 and CA3 and in hillus. In MP4  significant decrease with the control was observed, with almost undetectable immunoreactivity, a light negligible mark around pyramidal cells and a few cells in lacunosum molecular layer were stained and a similar declined mark in MP 7. Conclusions These results suggest that NR2B may play a role in modulating convulsive activity in MP-induce seizures.