[Effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor on nitric oxide/nitric oxide synthase system during recurrent febrile seizures].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor (GABA(B)R)on nitric oxide (NO)/nitric oxide synthase (NOS) system during recurrent febrile seizures (FS). METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats aged 21 days were randomly divided into four groups:control group, FS group, FS + baclofen group, FS + phaclofen group. FS in rats were induced ten times in a bath of warm water,once every 2 days. The plasma level of NO was detected by the spectrophotometer; the expression of nNOS mRNA was examined by in situ hybridization; the expression of nNOS protein was observed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with those in FS group,the plasma level of NO decreased [(19.02+/-9.31) micromol/L vs (40.03+/-9.12)micromol/L], and the expression of nNOS was down-regulated in FS + baclofen group; the plasma level of NO increased [(66.46+/-8.15) micromol/L vs (40.03+/-9.12) micromol/L] and the expression of nNOS was up-regulated in FS + phaclofen group. CONCLUSION: GABA(B)R modulated the expression of NO/NOS system during recurrent FS.