CALBINDIN D28k AND ANIMAL MODELS OF EPILEPSY1

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on calbindin D28k (CaBP) and animal model of epilepsy. The immunohistochemical localization of this protein has been described for both the rat and the chick brain. The neuron specific localization of CaBP in the brain is not correlated to any one neurotransmitter content nor with any one specific neuron function and it is suggested that it may serve as an efficient intraneuronal calcium-buffering system. The determination by radioimmunoassay of regional levels of CaBP in fully kindled compared to control rats revealed, in addition to the marked loss of CaBP from the HF, an approximately equal fall in the CaBP content of the striatum. There were no significant changes in any of the other brain regions examined. Unlike the HF, the loss of CaBP from the striatum could not be detected immunohistochemically. When compared to the Swiss strain of mouse the El mice had significantly lower levels of CaBP in the HF, ventral temporal cortex and in the dorsal parts of both the parietal and the occipital cortex. There were no differences in CaBP content in any of the other areas of the brain examined including the cerebellum and ventral occipital cortex.