Longitudinal changes in gray and white matter microstructure during epileptogenesis in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats

PurposeTemporal lobe epilepsy is associated with tissue abnormalities of several gray and white matter structures that are reproduced in animal models. Few longitudinal studies have focused on the identification structural differences during epileptogenesis. The diffusion tensor model a useful tool for evaluating cell death, gliosis, axonal plasticity epileptic subjects. This study aimed to evaluate temporal changes after experimental status epilepticus an chronic epilepsy.MethodsSystemic pilocarpine-induced adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were scanned using imaging (DTI) at three time points: prior epilepticus, 24 64 days post-induction (early late chronic, respectively). Fractional anisotropy, apparent coefficient, axial diffusivity (D║), radial (D┴) evaluated (fimbria, cingulum, corpus callosum, internal capsule) (dorsal hippocampus, dentate gyrus, CA3) regions points. Histological assessment neurodegeneration Klüver-Barrera preparations from same animals was performed.ResultsSignificantly reduced volume dorsal hippocampus fimbria observed already post-status epilepticus. Progressive DTI parameters both group also observed. Stained sections confirmed such alterations.ConclusionOur revealed time-dependent characterization these alterations over may be potential markers