*2.4. E*ff*ect of Resveratrol and Gene Knock-Down by Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) Against pgc-1*α *on Expression of VEGF Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in the Hippocampus Following Experimental Status Epilepticus*

To determine the causal effect of PGC-1α in regulation of the expression of VEGFR2 in this experimental paradigm, we tested resveratrol, a PGC-1α activator, and siRNA against *pgc-1*α on VEGF expression on VEGFR2 expression in the hippocampus following status epilepticus. Microinjection of resveratrol (100 μmol) into the hippocampal CA3 subfield underwent a significant increment of expression of *vegf* mRNA (Figure 5a) and the level of VEGFR2 protein (Figure 5b) in the CA3 region 6 h after the elicitation of sustained hippocampal seizure activities. Confirming the specificity of *pgc-1*α siRNA on the protein levels of VEGFR2, after a pre-treated microinjection of *pgc-1*α siRNA (2 μg) into the bilateral CA3 region, a significant elevation of the expression of *vegfr2* mRNA (Figure 5c) and diminishment of VEGF protein in the CA3 subfield 6 h after KA-induced status epilepticus (Figure 5d) compared with the rats with pre-treatment of control siRNA was observed.
