Effects of phenytoin on morphology and structure of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons of rats in chronic stress.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of phenytoin (DPH) on morphological and structural changes of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA3 of rats induced by chronic stress.


METHODS
Using Nissl staining, Golgi staining, and electron microscope, the morphology and structure of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA3 of rats were observed.


RESULTS
Chronic stress resulted in loss of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neuron from 39+/-4 to 35+/-4, shortening of total length of apical dendrite (from 196 microm+/-35 microm to 156 microm+/-33 microm, P<0.05), and ultrastructural degenerations of neurons. DPH markedly inhibited the decreases in number of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neuron (38.4+/-2.2) and total length of apical dendrite (198 microm+/-36 microm, P<0.05), meanwhile, improved neuron ultrastructural degenerations caused by chronic stress.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic stress does damage to hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons and DPH protects hippocampus from damage induced by chronic stress.
Zhang
Yan-Mei
YM
Central Laboratory, Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou 515031, China. yanmei_zh@yahoo.com
Yang
Quan
Q
Xu
Chong-Tao
CT
Li
Kang-Sheng
KS
Li
Wei-Qiu
WQ
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017966:Pyramidal Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000473:pathology*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010672:Phenytoin