Therapeutic Effects of Kv7 Channel Activator Retigabine against Seizures and Neurodegeneration in Kainic Acid-Induced Seizure Model

Author(s): Xiao-fei Zhuang

Aims: The current study evaluates whether Kv7 channel activator retigabine (RTG) could attenuate seizures and hippocampal neurodegeneration in the kainic acid (KA) induced seizure model. Methods: The anticonvulsant activity of RTG is evaluated by electroencephalography (EEG) recordings in KA-kindled rats. Tunel assay and immunofluorescence of NeuN are used to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of RTG in the hippocampus of KA-kindled rats. Results: RTG effectively reduces epileptiform discharges induced by KA injection. Tunel assay and immunofluorescence of NeuN show that RTG exerts neuroprotection in the hippocampus of KA-kindled rats. Conclusion: Taken together, this study demonstrates that RTG effectively alleviates seizures and hippocampal neurodegeneration in the KA-induced seizure model.

Kv7 Channel, RTG, Kainic Acid, Neuroprotection, Seizure

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