Analysis of gene expression in genetic epilepsy-prone rat using a cDNA expression array

UNLABELLED Our aim is to search the differential expression genes of genetic epilepsy and establish the groundwork of exploring the pathogenesis of epilepsy on the gene level by using cDNA array technology. METHODS Gene expression profiles of the cerebral cortex of genetic epilepsy-prone P77PMC rats and normal Wistar rats were established using the Atlas Rat cDNA Expression Array. The difference between gene expression profiles was analyzed using an image analysis instrument. RESULTS Fifteen genes exhibited a differential expression pattern between the P77PMC rats' and Wistar rats' cerebral cortex, while there maybe many other differential expression genes undiscovered due to having no image analysis software. Among them, the levels of expression of 13 genes were elevated in P77PMC rats as compared to their levels in Wistar rats, in contrast, the levels of expression of two genes were decreased in P77PMC rats. CONCLUSION There were several differential expression genes between P77PMC rats and Wistar rats. All these genes could play important roles in the pathogenesis of epilepsy.