Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
The Pilocarpine Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and EEG Monitoring Using Radiotelemetry System in Mice
Published on: February 27, 2018
Estrogen effects on pilocarpine-induced temporal lobe epilepsy in rats
Melquíades Pereira1, José M Soares, Sandra G Valente
1Departamento de Ginecologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Sena Madureira 1245 apt 11, 04021-051 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Objective:
To evaluate the effects of conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) on the pilocarpine-induced epilepsy in rats.
Study Design:
40 female rats were divided into: GPC (positive control) presented "status epilepticus" (SE) induced by pilocarpine; GOC (ovariectomized control) only castrated; GNC (negative control) received only saline solution; GPE received pilocarpine, presented SE, castrated and received 50microg/kg CEE treatment; GPV received pilocarpine, castrated and received propylene glycol (vehicle). The animals were monitored by a video system. At the end of observation, the brains removed for later histologic analysis using Neo-Timm and Nissl methods.
Results:
The GPE presented a reduction in number of seizures compared to GPV. The Neo-Timm analysis showed that GPV had greater sprouting of mossy fibers, with a denser band in the area of the dentate gyrus hilum compared to GPE. On Nissl staining, GPE showed evident neuronal loss in the CA3 area. GPV presented loss in CA1 and dentate gyrus.
Conclusion:
Estrogen may have a protecting effect on the central nervous system.
