Expression of MAP2, GFAP, and calcium in CA3 area of a modified organotypic hippocampal slice culture treated with kainic acid

Background: Neurodegeneration due to neurotoxicity is one of the phenomena in temporal lobe epilepsy. Experimentally, hippocampal excitotoxicity process can occur kainic acid exposure, especially CA3 area. Neuronal death, astrocyte reactivity and increased calcium also excitotoxicity, but few studies have investigated immediate effect after exposure. The organotypic slice culture (OHSC) a useful model for studying neurodegeneration process, there are still many protocol differences. In this study, minor modifications were made OHSC protocol. Methods: OHSC was obtained from two healthy wild type Wistar rats aged P10. Healthy slices lasted up 10 days in vitro (DIV 10). Bath application 48 hours DIV followed by observation its initial effects on neurons, astrocytes, via expression MAP2, GFAP, intracellular calcium, subsequently. Results: After h administration, significant increase (p = 0.006 < α), accompanied decrease MAP2 0.003 α ) GFAP 0.010 α) expression. Conclusion: These findings suggest early neuronal damage at onset injury. This implies that occurs before an characterizes reactive astrogliosis found other studies. Damage neurons astrocytes may be associated with calcium. It necessary develop further research regarding spatial time exposure strategies reduce caused excitotoxicity.