C-Fos expression as a molecular marker in corticotropin-releasing factor-induced seizures

Synapse. 1996 Nov;24(3):297-304. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2396(199611)24:3<297::AID-SYN12>3.0.CO;2-U.

Abstract

Expression of Fos-like protein has been shown to increase after seizures in several types of experimentally induced epilepsies. The intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of murine corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in rats (10 micrograms), shows an electroencephalographic (EEG) spiking activity restricted to the amygdaloid-hippocampal area. This EEG seizure pattern represents a unique model of localized epileptic activity induced by a neuropeptide. C-fos expression after icv CRF has been considered a useful tool in mapping areas involved in stress and in seizure activity. Our results show that 1 microgram and 10 micrograms CRF are able to induce c-fos activation in several brain areas. Moreover, the present study not only details c-fos expression increase in brain areas directly involved in spiking activation, such as the amygdaloid-hippocampal region, but also maps the possible contribution of other regions to seizure manifestations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Brain Mapping
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone*
  • Electroencephalography / drug effects
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / biosynthesis*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Seizures / chemically induced
  • Seizures / metabolism*
  • Seizures / physiopathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone