Relationship between hyperbilirubinemia and nerve cell apoptosis in rat hippocampus / 第三军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of bilirubin in the hippocampus of the newborn rats with hyperbilirubinemia. Methods Hyperbilirubinemia model was established. The expression levels of Fas protein and N methyl D aspartate (NMDA) receptor and the apoptosis rate of nerve cells in rat hippocampus were detected with immunochemistry, TUNEL method and cytometry. Results Histological changes of nerve cells were found in hippocampal area of rats with hyperbilirubinemia. Significantly increased expression levels of Fas protein and NMDA receptor and apoptosis rate of nerve cells were positively correlated with the bilirubin level in rat brain tissues. Conclusion The bilirubin neurotoxicity is mediated by the excessive activation of NMDA receptor and participation of Fas system, which induces the apoptosis of nerve cells.