Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4324827 Brain Research 2013 10 Pages PDF
Abstract

The present study sought to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of apocynin, an NADPH oxidase assembly inhibitor, on seizure-induced neuronal death. Apocynin, also known as acetovanillone, is a natural organic compound isolated from the root of Canadian hemp (Apocynum cannabium). It has been extensively studied to determine its disease-fighting capabilities and application in several brain insults, such as traumatic brain injury and stroke. Here we tested the hypothesis that post-treatment of apocynin may prevent seizure-induced neuronal death by suppression of NADPH oxidase-mediated superoxide production. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was induced by intraperitoneal injection of pilocarpine (25 mg/kg) in male rats. Apocynin (30 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected into the intraperitoneal space two hours after seizure onset. A second injection was performed 24 h after seizure. To test whether apocynin inhibits NADPH oxidase activation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, dihydroethidium (dHEt, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected before onset of seizure and ROS production was detected five hours after seizure onset. Neuronal oxidative injury (4HNE), neuronal death (Fluoro Jade-B), blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption (IgG leak), neurotrophil infiltration (MPO) and microglia activation (CD11b) in the hippocampus was evaluated at three days after status epilepticus (SE). Pilocarpine-induced seizure increased p47 immunofluorescence in the plasma membrane of hippocampal neurons at 12 h post-insult and apocynin treatment prevented this increase. The present study found that apocynin post-treatment decreased ROS production and lipid peroxidation after seizure and decreased the number of degenerating hippocampal neurons. Apocynin also reduced seizure-induced BBB disruption, neurotrophil infiltration and microglial activation. Taken together, the present results suggest that inhibition of NADPH oxidase by apocynin may have a high therapeutic potential to reduce seizure-induced neuronal dysfunction.

► NADPH oxidase activation is an important neuron death mechanism after seizure. ► Apocynin reduced seizure-induced ROS production and BBB disruption. ► Apocynin reduced seizure-induced microglial activation and neuron death. ► Post-treatment of apocynin is effective up to two hours after status epilepticus.

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