Gastrodin Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Injury in Young Rats with LiCl/Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus is a severe neurological emergency that often leads to long-term neuronal damage and functional impairment. Gastrodin is a compound widely used in traditional Chinese medicine with potential neuroprotective effects. This study aims to investigate the effects of GAS on neuroinflammation and injury caused by LiCl/pilocarpine-induced SE in young rats. SE in rats was induced using the LiCl/pilocarpine model. Morris water maze and Y-maze experiments were used for the behavioral test of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized to quantify the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, and biochemical kits assessed the levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) in hippocampus tissues. Additionally, Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the protein expression levels of p-p65, p65, p-IκBα and IκBα, which are key factors of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Compared to the control group, the SE group rats exhibited reduced learning and memory abilities. Markedly elevated levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8). The expression levels of p-p65 and p-IκBα were significantly upregulated, while IκBα levels were notably decreased. Following GAS treatment, the latency of seizure onset was significantly shortened, the incidence of SE was significantly reduced and the severity of nerve injury was alleviated. Additionally, both the inflammation levels and the oxidative stress were significantly decreased, primarily through inhibition NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings suggest that GAS may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating SE.