Abstract: Objective To detect the expression of multiple drug resistance gene protein 1(MDR-1), neuron-specific endase (NSE), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the temporal lobe and hippocampal dentate gyrus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.Methods In epileptic group, the brain tissues including dentate gyrus and temporal lobe were obtained by operation in 12 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. In control group, the brain tissues were obtained from 4 dead patients underwent autopsy. By means of anti-MDR1 and GFAP or NSE double immunofluorescence histochemical staining method combining with confocal laser-scanning microscopic technique, the distribution of MDR1 or NSE positive cells and reactive astrocytes were observed in the temporal lobes and hippocampus.Results In control group, many GFAP positive astrocytes and NSE positive neuron could be found in the cortex of temporal lobe and dentate gyrus of hippocampus. No MDR1 positive cells could be observed in above-mentioned areas.In epileptic group,GFAP positive astrocytes within the cortex of temporal lobe and dentate gyrus of hippocampus increased markedly. GFAP and MDR1 could co-express in the same astrocyte in the cortex of temporal lobe and dentate gyrus of hippocampus. Conclusion It was suggested that multidrug resistance gene of astrocytes might play an important role in the pathogenesis of intractable epilepsy.

Key words: Temporal lobe epilepsy, Hippocampus, Multiple drug resistance gene protein, Glial fibrillary acidic protein