P/Q type (Cav2.1) Calcium Channel Blocker ω-Agatoxin IVA Alters Cleaved Caspase-3 and BDNF Expressions in the Rat Brain and Suppresses Seizure Activity


Inan S. Y., Yildirim S., TANRIÖVER G., Ilhan B.

Molecular Neurobiology, vol.61, no.4, pp.1861-1872, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 61 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s12035-023-03678-0
  • Journal Name: Molecular Neurobiology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.1861-1872
  • Keywords: Apoptosis, Epilepsy, P/Q-type calcium channels, Rat, ω-Agatoxin IVA
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

High-voltage-gated calcium channels have pivot role in the cellular and molecular mechanisms of various neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Similar to other calcium channels, P/Q-type calcium channels (Cav2.1) are also responsible for vesicle release at synaptic terminals. Up to date, there are very limited reports showing the mechanisms of Cav2.1 in epileptogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the anticonvulsive and neuroprotective effects of ω-agatoxin IVA, a specific Cav2.1 blocker, in a chemical kindling model of epileptogenesis. Righting reflex and inclined plane tests were used to assess motor coordination. Electroencephalography was recorded for electrophysiological monitoring of seizure activity in freely moving rats. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cleaved caspase-3 expressions in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and thalamic nucleus. ω-Agatoxin IVA injected into the right lateral ventricle significantly prolonged the onset of seizures in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, repeated intraperitoneal administrations of ω-agatoxin IVA significantly suppressed the development of kindling and epileptic discharges without altering motor coordination. In addition, ω-agatoxin IVA significantly increased BDNF expressions, and decreased cleaved caspase-3 expressions in the brain when compared to PTZ + saline group. Our current study emphasizes the significance of the inhibition of P/Q type calcium channels by ω-agatoxin IVA, which suppresses the development of epileptogenesis and provides a new potential pathway for epilepsy treatment.