Influence of Thioperamide on Learning and Memory and Expressions of GFAP and c-fos in Hippocampus of Epileptic Rats During Growth by Pentylenetrazole

Aim :To observe the influence of thioperamide on the learning and memory and expressions of GFAP and c-fos in hippocampus of epileptic rats during growth by pentylenetrazole. These findings suggest that histamine H3 receptor antagonists might be useful in the treatment of cognitive impairment in epilepsy, and to explore the role of thioperamide in the epileptogenesis and development processes. Methods: Forty developing Sprague-Dawley (SD)mice were randomly divided into control group (n=10), PTZ group (n=10) and thioperamide intervening group [(30 mg·kg-1)high dose n=10,(15 mg·kg-1)low dose n=10]. The behavior and Morris water maze test of rats were observed. The expressions of GFAP and c-fos in hippocampus were detected with immunohistochemistry. Results: The control group showed no seizure activity. Severe seizure activity was observed in the PTZ group, but slight seizure activity appeared in the thioperamide intervening group of high dose(P0.05).The Morris water maze tests showed that the learning and memory ability of group PTZ were worsen than those of the control,the thioperamide intervening group was better than those in the others. The expressions of GFAP and c-fos were stronger in the PTZ group than those of the control group and thioperamide intervening group(P0.05). The Morris water maze tests were negatively correlated to the lever expressions of GFAP and c-fos. Conclusion: Thioperamide, by inhibiting the functions and proliferation of glial cells and expressions of c-fos in hippocampus, can alleviate the seizure activity. Cognitive function impairment could be improved by thioperamide intervening in PTZ kindling rats ,which suggests that thioperamide may be an ideal anticonvulsant in preventing and treating epilepsy.