CB2R induces a protective response against epileptic seizures through ERK and p38 signaling pathways

Abstract

Background and purpose

Epilepsy is a pivotal neurological disorder characterized by the synchronous discharging of neurons to induce momentary brain dysfunction. Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common type of epilepsy, with seizures originating from the mesial temporal lobe. The hippocampus forms part of the mesial temporal lobe and plays a significant role in epileptogenesis; it also has a vital influence on the mental development of children. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of CB2 receptor (CB2R) activation on ERK and p38 signaling in nerve cells of a rat epilepsy model.

Materials and methods

We treated Sprague-Dawley rats with pilocarpine to induce an epilepsy model and treated such animals with a CB2R agonist (JWH133) alone or with a CB2R antagonist (AM630). Nissl’s stain showed the neuron conditon in different groups. Western blot analyzed the level of p-ERK and p-p38.

Results

JWH133 can increase the latent period of first seizure attack and decrease the Grades IV–V magnitude ratio after the termination of SE. Nissl’s stain showed JWH133 protected neurons in the hippocampus while AM630 inhibited the functioning of CB2R in neurons. Western blot analysis showed that JWH133 decreased levels of p-ERK and p-p38, which is found at increased levels in the hippocampus of our epilepsy model. In contrast, AM630 inhibited the protective function of JWH133 and also enhanced levels of p-ERK and p-p38.

Conclusions

CB2R activation can induce neurons proliferation and survival through activation of ERK and p38 signaling pathways.

Keywords:

• Epilepsy
• CB2R
• ERK
• p38

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by a Liaoning Science and Technology Department of China Project Grant # 2014225007.