Effects of gap junctions blockers on fast ripples and connexin in rat hippocampi after status epilepticus

Abstract Objective To assess the dynamic changes in the average and peak spectral power of fast ripples (FRs) in the hippocampi after interventions with valproate sodium (VPA), carbenoxolone (CBX) and quinine (QUIN). Method Adult rats were used to establish a lithium–pilocarpine (pilo) epileptic model, and were assigned to a lithium–pilocarpine (PILO), VPA + PILO, QUIN + PILO or CBX + PILO group. Intracranial electroencephalography was performed before and after status epilepticus (SE). The hippocampal connexin (CX) 43, CX32 and CX36 expressions were analyzed via western blotting. Results The time required for the disappearance of SE after chloral hydrate injection was lower in the intervention groups than in the PILO group (p  Significance After SE, CX may participate in pathological FR generation by establishing abnormal electrical synaptic transmission. Gap junction blockers can inhibit various CX expressions, and thus decrease FR energy and alleviate the degree of seizure. These findings could contribute to the development of new anti-epileptic drugs with novel mechanistic targets.