Induction of epileptic seizure activity by a specific protein from cobalt-induced epileptogenic cortex of rats

To evaluate the protein-related mechanism for epileptogenesis, we examined protein behavior during cobalt-induced epileptic seizure activity and the effect of injection of cobalt-induced proteins into cerebral cortex on electrocorticographic discharge in rats. Cobalt-induced epileptic seizure activity caused an increase in two proteins that migrated at about 84 kDa (P84) and 70-71 kDa (P70) and a decrease in a protein of about 57 kDa (P57) as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Among these proteins, P70 evoked epileptic discharges on the electroencorticograph and behavioral seizure, when it was intracortically injected into the motor region of the normal rat cerebrum. The data suggest that P70 may be a factor for epileptogenesis.