Effects of Mdivi‑1 on Mitochondrial Fission and Fusion Proteins in Hippocampal Granule Neurons in Kainate-Induced Injury.

The effects of Mdivi‑1, a potential neuroprotector and inhibitor of the mitochondrial fission protein (Drp1), on mitochondrial dynamics in neurons of the hippocampal granule cell layer were assessed in Wistar rats treated with kainic acid. Mdivi‑1 administration reduced the elevated levels of active Drp1 and increased the mitochondrial fraction size and the levels of the mitochondrial fusion proteins OPA1 and Mfn2 compared to the group receiving kainic acid alone. The increase in Mfn2 was more pronounced, indicating differential regulation of the outer and inner mitochondrial membrane fusion processes and insufficient compensation of the mitochondrial dynamics balance under the influence of Mdivi‑1. These changes in Mfn2 may be associated with the activation of other protective and compensatory mechanisms. At the same time, Mdivi‑1 did not increase the number of preserved neurons in the granular layer of the dentate gyrus.