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Enhanced forebrain nitric oxide synthase activity in epileptic fowl
L Sandirasegarane1, J R Mikler, J M Tuchek
1Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Brain Research
|October 7, 1996
Summary
Epileptic fowl exhibit elevated nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, primarily in the forebrain. This suggests enhanced nitric oxide (NO) signaling may be an adaptive response to hereditary epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Hereditary generalized convulsive disorders in domestic fowl present a model for studying epilepsy.
- Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) plays a role in neuronal function and signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in the brains of domestic fowl with hereditary epilepsy.
- To determine if elevated NOS activity is linked to the genetic predisposition for seizures.
Main Methods:
- Measuring NOS activity in different brain regions (forebrain, cerebellum, optic lobes) of epileptic and non-epileptic fowl.
- Utilizing Ca(2+)-dependency assays to differentiate NOS isoforms.
- Assessing the impact of induced convulsions on pre-existing NOS activity.
Main Results:
- NOS activity was approximately 2-fold higher in the forebrain of adult epileptic fowl compared to controls.
- Increased NOS activity was also observed in the forebrains of 1-day-old epileptic chicks.
- The elevated activity was primarily attributed to type I NOS (NOS-I).
- Intermittent photic stimulation did not alter established forebrain NOS-I activity.
Conclusions:
- Hereditary epilepsy in fowl is associated with significantly enhanced NOS-I activity in the forebrain.
- This suggests that increased nitric oxide (NO) signaling in specific brain regions may be an adaptive mechanism in response to genetic epileptogenesis.
