The kinesin protein KIF17 expression is increased in an experimental epilepsy model

GIRARDI E, SENIN G, SILVESTRE F, SCHNEIDER P

Huerta Grande-Córdoba

Congreso; XXVII Congreso Anual Sociedad Argentina de Neurociencia; 2012

Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Neurociencia

KIF17 is a neuron specific motor protein acting in the somatodendritic region of neurons and, transports different components to specific destination in a microtubule and ATP dependent manner. KIF17 transports vesicles containing NMDA receptors from the cell body to the postsynaptic sites.We have previously observed an alteration in the expression of NMDAR subunits NR2A, NR2B and PSD-95 (which binds to NMDAR subunit) after the administration of the convulsant drug 3-mercaptopropionic.The objective of this work is to study the effect of repetitive administration of the convulsant drug MP on KIF17 expression in hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Wistar rats (250-300g) were daily injected with MP (45mg/kg), or saline (control) during 4 days. One day after the last injection, brains were processed for immunoassays, using antiKIF17 as primary antibody. Results: Immunohistochemical studies showed KIF17 expression in different hippocampal areas and cerebral cortex. After the administration of MP an increase of 200-290% with respect to control was observed in CA1, CA2-3, Hillus, Dentate Girus (DG) and Subiculum, while in cerebral cortex a rise of 170% was determined. These results show a great enhace of hipocampal and cortical KIF17 expression suggesting a participation of this motor protein in MP-induced hiperactivity.