Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of radix salviae miltiorrhiae(RSM) on the damages of neurous in rat brain by
seizure. Methods A pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure model was used. The extent neuronal damage and the
expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) were
compared in the RSM group and control group by histopathological and
immunohistochemistry methods. Results The number of injured neurons in the cortex and hippocampus were
significantly lower in the RSM group as compared with in the control group(P<0.01). The extent of ultrastructure damage in the RSM group were milder than in the control group. The number of HSP70 immunoreactivity(IR) positive cells in the cortex and hippocampus were significantly higher in the RSM group as compared with in the control group(P<0.01),the intensity of HSP70 in the RSM group were stronger than in the control group. Conclusions RSM can protect neurons against damage by seizure. RSM probably affords neuroprotection by increase expression of HSP70.