Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities and the hydroperoxide concentration are modified in the hippocampus of epileptic rats

The relationship between free radical and scavenger enzymes has been found in the epileptic phenomena and reactive oxygen species have been implicated in seizure-induced neurodegeneration. Using the epilepsy model obtained by systemic administration of pilocarpine (PILO) in rats, we investigated the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities as well as the hydroperoxide (HPx) concentration in the hippocampus of rats du ring status epilepticus (SE). silent and chronic periods. The enzyme activi ties as well as the HPx concentration were measured using spectrophotometri c methods and the results compared to values obtained from saline-treated a nimals. The SOD activity decreased after long-lasting SE period and during the chronic phase. In addition, FIN levels increased in same periods wherea s the GPx activity increased only in the hippocampus of animals submitted t o I h of SE. Animals presenting partial seizures, those submitted to 5 h of SE and animals from the silent period (seizure free) showed normal levels of SOD, GPx and HPx. These results show a direct evidence of lipid peroxida tion during seizure activity that could be responsible for neuronal damage in the hippocampus of rats, during the establishment of PILO model of epile psy. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.