Cytotoxic effects of ibotenic acid on hippocampal neurons in rats

  Objective   To observe Cytotoxic effects of ibotenic acid on hippocampal neurons in rats, and explore toxico-logical mechanism of ibotenic acid(IBO).

  Methods   Wistar rats were given IBO, icv, only once.10 days later, the morphological changes of neurons in hippocampus were observed by HE staining and electronmicroscope respectively, amyloid β-protein precursor(APP)gene expression in hippocampus was measured with in situ hybridization, and the product of amyloid β-protein(Aβ)was determined by immunohistochemistry staining.

  Results   IBA, icv, induced neuronal degeneration and loss, higher level of APP gene expression, and high product of Aβ in hippocampus in rats.

  Conclusion   Upregulation the level of APP gene expression inducing high product of Aβ maybe one of toxicological mechanisms of IBA involved in hippocampal neurons damage in rats.