Abstract: ［ABSTRACT］Objective： To observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure damage and caspase3 expression in the neurons of hippocampal CA3 subarea during kainic acid(KA) induced status epilepticus(SE). Methods： SE was induced in adult male Wistar rats with KA, and then 3, 6, and 24 hours later, the brain sections were made. The mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed with electron microscope, and the caspase3 expression was examined by immunohistochemical staining. Result： Mitochondrial ultrastructure damage could be seen, from swelling to the rupture of membrane 3 hours after SE, whereas caspase3 expression appeared 6 hours after SE and increased significantly at the 24hour point after SE. Conclusion： Mitochondrial ultrastructure is damaged in the early period of the experimental SE rats, and the caspase3 expression appeared a few hours later.

Key words: Status epilepticus, Mitochondrial ultrastructure, Caspase