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Summary The cytoskeleton plays crucial roles in the development and fertilization of germ cells and in the early embryo development. The growth, maturation and fertilization of oocytes require an active movement and a correct localization of cellular organelles. This is performed by the re‐organization of microtubules and actin filaments. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the changes in cytoskeleton during in vitro fertilization process using appropriate immunofluorescence techniques. While the chromatin content was found to be scattered throughout the nucleus during the oocyte maturation period, it was seen only around nucleolus following the completion of the maturation. Microtubules, during oocyte maturation, were regularly distributed throughout the ooplasm which was then localized in the subcortical region of oocytes. Similarly microfilaments were scattered throughout the ooplasm during the oocyte maturation period whereas they were seen in the subcortical region around the polar body and above the meiotic spindle throughout the late developmental stages. In conclusion, those changes occurred in microtubules and microfilaments might be closely related to the re‐organization of the genetic material during the oocyte maturation and early embryo development.

Epilepsy is a common brain disorder that seizures could cause neuronal loss in the hippocampus. Oxidative stress has an important role in the pathology of this way. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of astaxanthin (ATX), on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced epileptic seizures in rats and in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell culture. Method: In our study, we used 42 male 230-250 g Wistar Albino rats. Animals were divided into seven groups as control, saline (PTZ; 1 ml/kg serum physiologic), positive control (2,5 mg/kg diazepam), 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg ATX for seven days. Thirty min after the administration of the last drug at the indicated doses, PTZ was administered 45 mg/kg to induce an epileptic seizure. The animals were observed for 30 min. Seizure stages according to the Racine Scale (RC) and first myoclonic jerk times (FMJ). Twenty four hours after PTZ injection, passive avoidance test was performed, and then brain tissues were removed for biochemical and histopathological evaluation. The hippocampal Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1), CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG) regions were evaluated histopathologically regarding neuronal damage. Besides, oxidative stress markers total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI)) were measured in brain tissues. Furthermore, ATX was performed in vitro SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell culture to evaluate PTZ-induced neurotoxicity. Results: When epileptic behaviors were evaluated, ATX did not affect RC and FMJ (p>0, 05). However, ATX reduced both cognitive impairment in passive avoidance test and neuronal damage in the hippocampus (p<0, 05). Moreover, ATX reduced both TOS levels and OSI in the brain (p<0, 05). Besides of these in vitro studies, ATX increased neuronal viability in vitro. Conclusions: Although ATX does not have antiepileptic properties directly, it has a protective effect on not only in vivo but also in vitro. These effects may occur by possible oxidative pathways.

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