The effect of hepatocyte growth factor on learning and memory abilities in a rat model of kainate-induced epilepsy

Background and Objective: Epilepsy as a chronic neurological disorder causes inherent seizures and learning and memory failure. Since there is no acceptable control of seizures in some patients with the current recommended drug therapy, new medications with different mechanisms of action are needed. Here, the beneficial effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was evaluated in an experimental model of temporal lobe epilepsy in male rats. Materials and Methods: In the present study, effects of intracerebroventricular administration of HGF (6 µg) thirty minutes before intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid (4 µg) on spontaneous seizures and learning and memory impairment were assessed in rats. As positive control group, valproic acid (200 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. Results: Behavior data showed that the kainate rats exhibited spontaneous seizures, lower spontaneous alternation score in Y-maze task (p < 0.001), and impaired learning capability in the passive avoidance test (p < 0.001). Administration of HGF to kainate rats decreased the numbers of spontaneous seizures, improved alternation score (p < 0.001) and retention and recall capability in the passive avoidance test (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed that HGF administration to kainate-injected rats attenuates seizure scores and improves learning and memory.