Dynamic alterations occur in the levels and composition of transcription factor AP-1 complexes after seizure

Seizure causes a rapid and protracted increase in transcription factor AP-1 levels in the brain. The composition of AP-1 nucleoprotein complexes changes with time after seizure as a result of the sequential appearance and disappearance of Fos and several Fos-related proteins. Although these changes occur over an 8 hr time period, they are triggered by 15 min of seizure. Alterations in the levels and composition of transcription factors may represent one of the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal adaptation.