Objective      To investigate the expression and distribution of transient receptor potential canonical channel 5 (TRPC5) in the cortical tubers of epilepsy patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)

and to explore the mechanism of TRPC5 involved in TSC-induced epileptic seizure.       Methods       Fourteen cases of TSC epileptic cortical tubers (TSC group) confirmed by pathological examination and twelve cases of non-epileptic cortices (CTX group) were collected. The expression and distribution of TRPC5 in the samples were examined by RT-PCR

Western blotting

immunohistochemical and double-labeling immunofluorescencestaining.       Results       The mRNA and protein levels of TRPC5 were significantly higher in the TSC group than those in the CTX group (P0.05). The immunohistochemical results showed that TRPC5 was weakly or moderately expressed in the neurons and occasionally expressed in the glial cells in the CTX group. However

strong expression of TRPC5 was observed in the neurons

glial cells

dysplastic neurons (DNs) and giant cells (GCs) in the TSC group. The intensity of immunofluorescence was significantly higher in the TSC group than in the CTX group (intensity score: 2.77±0.63 vs 1.64±0.66; ratio of mean optical density 44.72±8.56 vs 30.34±9.43; P0.05).       Conclusion       The up-regulation of TRPC5 in the cortical tubers of epilepsy patients with TSC may be closely associated with the pathogenesis of epilepsy

suggesting that TRPC5 might be a new potential drug target for the treatment of intractable epilepsy.