Effect of anti-epileptic, nootropic drugs on the expression of ERK2 and NCAM1 in the hippocampus changes on the epileptic rats with cognitive dysfunction

Abstract

Objective To study the effect of anti-epileptic, nootropic drugs on the expression of NCAM and ERK2 in the hippocampus changes on the epileptic rats with cognitive dysfunction. Methods A total of 120 Wistar rats were used.20 controls and 100 in which epilepticus with cognitive dysfunction were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=20/group) that received daily treatments for 30 days with either (1) saline (epilepsy), (2) carbamazine (traditional anti-epileptic), (3) oxcarbazine (new anti-epileptic), (4) aniracetam (brain protective), or (5) donepezil (nootopic). Spatial learning and memory were assessed with a Morris Water Maze (MWM). Hippocampus tissue was assessed for NCAM1 and ERK-2 mRNAs by RT-PCR and proteins by immunochemistry. Results The mean escape latency of the place navigation test: EP group ((67.14±7.37)s)was all higher than NS group(35.78±4.84 s)and there was statistical significance(P EP group((67.14±7.37)s) > donepezi group((53.75±6.74) s)(P control group (P control group (P<0.05). Conclusion ERK-2 expression is decreased and NCAM 1 expression is increased in the hippocampus in the epileptic rats.Thus, both are involved in cognitive dysfunction.Carbamazepine aggravates cognitive dysfunction, whereas donepezil improves cognitive dysfunction associated with epilepsy. Key words: Epilepsy; NCAM1; ERK2; Cognitive dysfunction