Status epilepticus induced by
pilocarpine in rats induces massive tissue damage comprising neurons and astrocytes (incomplete
infarction) in substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR) and in basal cortical areas (
BCTX). Immunohistochemistry with a polyclonal antiserum and a
monoclonal antibody to GFAP were used here to study the astroglial damage in these regions. Control sections showed a strong labeling for
glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for both
antibodies in SNR and
BCTX. At 1 day after induction of
seizures, labeling with the polyclonal
antibodies showed diffuse increase within the lesioned areas and enhanced staining of astrocytes at the border zones. However, staining with the
monoclonal antibody was abolished. At 3 days, labeling with both the polyclonal antiserum and the
monoclonal antibody was severely reduced within the damaged regions. Reactive astrocytes in the surround of the
infarct showed enhanced labeling with both
antibodies. This combination of enhanced labeling with polyclonal
antibodies and decreased labeling with the specific
monoclonal antibody for GFAP can be taken as
indicator for acute glial cell damage in
seizures and related experimental conditions.