id_843. ANALYSIS OF THE TEMPORAL PROFILE OF CYSTATHIONINE BETA-SYNTHASE EXPRESSION IN RAT BRAINS IN RESPONSE TO SEIZURE ACTIVITY
Dominika Góral1, Szymon Kantor1,2, Zuzanna Setkowicz1
1 Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
2 Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Kraków, Poland
INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder characterised by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Status epilepticus poses a serious health threat, leading to neuronal damage and long-term consequences. Given the significant number of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, there is a need to explore new treatment strategies. Gaseous neurotransmitters, such as hydrogen sulfide, are gaining importance as potential therapeutic agents.
AIM(S): We examined the post-seizure temporal activation of H₂S system. We propose that seizures increase the activity of the system.
METHOD(S): The study involved 75 male Wistar rats. Seizures were induced by administering methyl bromide scopolamine (1mg/kg,i.p.) followed by pilocarpine hydrochloride (250mg/kg,i.p.) after 30 minutes. Rats were observed for 6 hours, and seizure activity was assessed using a modified Racine scale. After designated survival times (6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 192 hours), the rats were euthanised, and their hippocampi were isolated. Tissues were homogenised, and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) expression was quantified via ELISA. Statistical analysis used the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Dunn's post hoc test (p < 0.05).
RESULTS: Our findings indicate that CBS expression levels peaked at 24 hours post-seizure induction, with significant elevations compared to untreated controls (5445.97 [4638.56-6729.43]ng/mg vs. 280.75[34.51-359.53]ng/mg; p<0.000001). CBS expression was higher in severe seizure cases (6729.43 [6380.02-7404.21],n=5) compared to non-severe cases (4227.72[3535.36-4826.95], n=4) at 24 h.p.s.i., suggesting a correlation between seizure intensity and CBS activity.
CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the potential neuroprotective role of H₂S in the context of seizures, as increased CBS expression may contribute to anti-apoptotic effects and reduction of oxidative stress in the brain. Further investigation into the mechanisms of action of H₂S and CBS may open the way for new therapeutic strategies in drug-resistant epilepsy.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: NCN Preludium Bis UMO-2021/43/O/NZ4/02208