Objective To explore the effect of nimodipine (NIM) on spatial learning and memory

the concentration of intracellular free calcium ([Ca

2+

]

i

) and the expression of calcium/

calmodulin-dependent protein kinase  Ⅱ

α

(CaMKⅡ

α

) in the hippocampus of rats with chronic epilepsy induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ).   Methods Totally 60 rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC

n=16

i.p. normal saline 3.5 ml/kg)

PTZ group (n=22

i.p. 1% PTZ 35 mg/kg for 44 d) and NIM+PTZ group(n=22

i.p. 1% PTZ 35 mg/kg for 44 d and NIM 1.25 mg/kg for the last 14 d). All of their behaviors were observed by Morris water maze. Meanwhile

the intracellular [Ca

2+

]

i

and the expression of CaMKⅡ

α

were determined by flow cytometry and Western blot respectively.   Results In PTZ group

the learning and memory ability of the epileptic rats was impaired

the concentration of intracellular[Ca

2+

]

i

was increased (P0.05) and the expression of CaMKⅡ

α

was decreased (P0.05) as compared with NC group.  The learning and memory ability of the NIM+PTZ group rats was improved

the concentration of intracellular[Ca

2+

]

i

was decreased (P0.05) and the expression of CaMKⅡ

α

  was increased (P0.05) as compared with PTZ group.   Conclusion The impairment of learning and memory ability of epileptic rats kindled by PTZ might be related with the changes of intracellular [Ca

2+

]

i

and the decreased expression of CaMKⅡ

α

.  NIM can attenuate all these changes.