Overexpression of apolipoprotein E4 increases kainic-acid-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration

► The individual apoE isoform exhibits diverse effect on KA-induced injury. ► Overexpression of apoE4 deteriorates KA-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration. ► ApoE4 transgenic mice have severe KA-induced seizures and behavioral changes. ► ApoE4 transgenic mice show obvious neuronal loss, with glial activation. ► KA-induced MHC-II, CD86 and iNOS are elevated in apoE4 transgenic mice.