BDNF/NF-κB signal pathway activation in rats with febrile seizures

Abstract

Objective To study the change of BDNF/NF-κB signal pathway induced by repeated febrile seizures.Methods Fifty-one 21 d male rats were randomly divided into three groups:normal control group(n=14),hyperthermal control group(n=19)and febrile seizure group(n=18).The febrile seizure model was devdoped by warrn water immersion[(45.0±0.3)℃].BDNF and NF-κB were measured by enzyme hnked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and immunohistochemistry.Results The levels of BDNF in serum and hippocarnpus in FS group were higher than those in NC group(P＜0.01)and in HC group(P＜0.01).In FS group,the OD of the BDNF positive neuron was higher than that of NC group(P＜0.01)and HC group(P＜0.01);the OD of the NF-κb positive neuron in FS group was higher than that of NC group (P＜0.01)and HC group(P＜0.01),the OD of the NF-κB positive neuron in HC group higher more than in NC group(P＜0.01).There was positive correlation between BDNF expression and NF-κB activation(r=0.78.P＜0.01).Conclusion The expression of BDNF and NF-κB were obviously increased in FS group and they are positively correlated,suggesting that the BDNF/NF-κB signal pathway may be activated after febrileseizure. Key words: Febrile seizure; Rat; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Nuclear hctor-κB