C-FOS ANTISENSE OLIGONUCLEOTIDE PREVENTS DELAYED INDUCTION OF HSP70 MESSENGER-RNA AFTER SOMAN-INDUCED SEIZURES

PREVIOUS studies have shown the successive expression of c-fos and hsp 70 genes, especially in the hippocampal formation, during soman-induce d seizures. In order to detect a possible link between the induction o f these two genes, antisense strategies have been used. First, the abi lity of unilateral intrahippocampal infusion of c-fos antisense oligon ucleotides to inhibit ipsilateral, seizure-related, c-FOS-like immunor eactivity, was verified. Second, induction of hsp70 mRNA was investiga ted using in situ hybridization. Unilateral inhibition of c-fos induct ion clearly reduced levels of hsp70 mRNA in the c-fos antisense-infuse d hippocampus relative to the noninfused contralateral side. Infusion of c-fos sense probe or vehicle did not affect hsp70 mRNA induction. T his study suggests a role of c-FOS in regulating hsp70 mRNA induction.