DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/6HNS-Y919
Defense Date
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Anatomy & Neurobiology
First Advisor
Kimberle Jacobs
Abstract
Cortical malformations from altered development are common causes of human epilepsy. The cellular mechanisms responsible for the epileptic state of cortex remain unclear and a significant portion of these cases do not respond to treatment. Previous electrophysiological recordings in the Jacobs lab in a rat polymicrogyria model indicated an increased response to group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists in the region adjacent to the malformation (PMZ). In addition there was a novel response in low threshold spiking (LTS) interneurons via mGluR5 activation. To determine whether cell specific expression of these receptors was altered in malformed cortex immunohistochemical stains were performed for group I mGluRs along with non-overlapping interneuron subtype specific markers, a neuronal marker and general inhibitory cell marker. There was no altered mGluR5 expression seen in the PMZ. There was an altered expression seen in PMZ mGluR1α labeled cells and cells in other cortical regions.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
7-26-2012