C-Fos expression as a molecular marker in corticotropin-releasing factor-induced seizures.
Expression of Fos-like protein has been shown to increase after seizures in several types of experimentally induced epilepsies. The intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of murine corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in rats (10 micrograms), shows an electroencephalographic (EEG) spiking activity restricted to the amygdaloid-hippocampal area. This EEG seizure pattern represents a unique model of localized epileptic activity induced by a neuropeptide. C-fos expression after icv CRF has been considered a useful tool in mapping areas involved in stress and in seizure activity. Our results show that 1 microgram and 10 micrograms CRF are able to induce c-fos activation in several brain areas. Moreover, the present study not only details c-fos expression increase in brain areas directly involved in spiking activation, such as the amygdaloid-hippocampal region, but also maps the possible contribution of other regions to seizure manifestations.
Marrosu
F
F
Institute of Neurology, University of Cagliari, Italy.
Pinna
A
A
Fadda
P
P
Fratta
W
W
Morelli
M
M
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology
D015415:Biomarkers; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone