Open Access

Effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling and associated cognitive impairment in rats

  • Authors:
    • Junli Zhen
    • Zhenzhen Qu
    • Haibo Fang
    • Lan Fu
    • Yupeng Wu
    • Hongchao Wang
    • Hongmin Zang
    • Weiping Wang
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: June 6, 2014     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2014.1796
  • Pages: 391-398
  • Copyright: © Zhen et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY_NC 3.0].

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Abstract

Numerous studies have demonstrated the antioxidant effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE). The generation of free radicals and the ensuing apoptosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy; therefore, in the present study, we examined the effects of GSPE on cognitive impairment and neuronal damage induced by chronic seizures in rats. Seizures were induced by a daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; 35 mg/kg/day, 36 days). Two other groups were treated with GSPE (100 or 200 mg/kg/day, orally) for 24 days and then for 36 days prior to each PTZ injection. After the final PTZ injection, hippocampus-dependent spatial learning was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM). The rats were then sacrificed for the measurement of hippocampal malondialdehyde (MDA, a measure of lipid peroxidation) and glutathione (GSH, a measure of endogenous antioxidant capacity) levels, and for the expression of pro-apoptotic factors [cytochrome c (Cyt c), caspase‑9 and caspase‑3]. The mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), degree of mitochondrial swelling, neuronal damage and mitochondrial ultrastructure were also examined. Performance in the MWM was markedly impaired by PTZ-induced seizures, as evidenced by longer escape latencies during training and fewer platform crossings during the probe trial. This cognitive decline was accompanied by oxidative stress (MDA accumulation, ROS generation, reduced GSH activity), an increased expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, as well as damage to CA1 pyramidal neurons and the mitochondria. Pre-treatment with GSPE dose‑dependently reversed PTZ-induced impaired performance in the MWM, oxidative stress, mitochondrial ROS generation, the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and neuronal and mitochondrial damage. Thus, GSPE may reverse the hippocampal dysfunction induced by chronic seizures, by reducing oxidative stress and preserving mitochondrial function.
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August-2014
Volume 34 Issue 2

Print ISSN: 1107-3756
Online ISSN:1791-244X

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Spandidos Publications style
Zhen J, Qu Z, Fang H, Fu L, Wu Y, Wang H, Zang H and Wang W: Effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling and associated cognitive impairment in rats. Int J Mol Med 34: 391-398, 2014.
APA
Zhen, J., Qu, Z., Fang, H., Fu, L., Wu, Y., Wang, H. ... Wang, W. (2014). Effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling and associated cognitive impairment in rats. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 34, 391-398. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2014.1796
MLA
Zhen, J., Qu, Z., Fang, H., Fu, L., Wu, Y., Wang, H., Zang, H., Wang, W."Effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling and associated cognitive impairment in rats". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 34.2 (2014): 391-398.
Chicago
Zhen, J., Qu, Z., Fang, H., Fu, L., Wu, Y., Wang, H., Zang, H., Wang, W."Effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling and associated cognitive impairment in rats". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 34, no. 2 (2014): 391-398. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2014.1796