Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2): a sensitive marker of seizure-related brain damage

We have assessed the efficacy of MAP-2 immunohistochemistry as a marker of seizure-related brain damage and its suitability for quantitation of the damage using densitometric and morphometric image analysis. Seizures were produced in rats by administration of 1.5 LD50 soman, an irreversible AChE inhibitor. Our results demonstrate that neuronal damage, assessed using hematoxylin and eosin, and cresyl violet staining, was colocalized on adjacent serial sections with clearly demarcated reductions in MAP-2 staining. The most severely damaged brain regions were devoid of MAP-2 staining. Reductions in MAP-2 immunostaining were found to be exceptionally well suited for quantitation using densitometric and morphometric image analysis. This study represents the first demonstration of seizure-induced excitotoxic alterations in MAP-2.