Expression of Cx43 and CX32 in the epileptogenic lesions of patients with refractory temporal epilepsy

Abstract

Objective In order to investigate the role of Gap Junction (GJ) in the generation and development of epilepsy,we examined the expression of connexin43 (Cx43)and Cx32 in the epileptogenic lesions and surrounding brain tissues of the patients with refractory temporal epilepsy.Methods Thirty intractable epilepsy patients were performed the resection of epileptogenic lesions under the ECC monitor.The expression of Cx43 and Cx32 in the epileptogenic lesions and the surrounding brain tissues of the patients were examined by immunohistochemical staining(the two step method).The data were statistically analyzed.Results The results from the immunohistochemistry staining showed that Cx43 and Cx32 were expressed in the epileptogenic lesions and the surrounding brain tissues.The expression of Cx43 in the epileptogenic lesions was increased obviously in comparison with the surrounding brain tissues ( U =4.066,P ＜ 0.001 ).There was no significant difference in the expression of Cx32 between the epileptogenic lesions and the surrounding brain tissues ( U =1.866,P ＞ 0.05 )Conclusion The expression of Cx43 in the epileptogenic focus is increased in comparison with that in the surrounding brain tissues,indicating that GJ plays an important role in the generation and development of epilepsy.There is no significant difference in the expression of Cx32 between the epileptogenic lesions and the surrounding brain tissues,which may be related to the apoptosis of the neurons after multiple seizure attacks. Key words: Epilepsy; Gap junction; Connexin43 ; Connexin32