Ganoderma lucidum spore powder modulates Bcl-2 and Bax expression in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and improves learning and memory in pentylenetetrazole-kindled rats

摘要

We studied the effects of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on Bax and Bcl-2 expression and neuronal apoptosis in pentylenetetrazole-kindled epileptic rats.Sixty adult rats were randomly divided into a control group,an epileptic group (kindled) and three medication groups (150,300,450 mg/kg given to kindled rats).Bax and Bcl-2 immunohistochemistry and TUNEL labeling showed that the number of Bax-and TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex decreased significantly in the high-dose medication group,while the number of Bcl-2 immunoreactive cells increased.The Morris water maze test showed that high-dose treatment significantly shortened escape latency and increased spatial probe trial performance.Our findings indicate that a high dose of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder upregulates the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex,inhibits proapoptotic Bax expression,and decreases seizure-induced neuronal apoptosis.Further,Ganoderma lucidum appears to protect against epilepsy-related learning and memory impairments.