ObjectiveTo characterize the dynamic expression of Robo3 in the rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy(TLE), and assess the potential contribution of Robo3 to epileptogenesis. MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the control group (n=6) and the experimental groups (n=30, 6 per group). The experimental groups were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with an aqueous solution of lithium-pilocarpine, and sacrificed at different time points (1, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days) following the seizure. The control group was i.p. with 0.9% sodium chloride instead of pilocarpine. Quantitative real-time PCR were used to detected the mRNA expression of Robo3 and Western bolt were used to detected the protein expression of Robo3. ResultsQuantitative real-time PCR showed that the expression of Robo3 were significantly lower in the rat temporal lobe tissues of the latent and the chronic period group as compared with the controls(P < 0.05), but no significant differences were identified between the acute period group and the controls(P > 0.05). Western blot showed that the protein expression of Robo3 were significantly lower in the rat temporal lobe tissues of the latent and the chronic period group as compared with the controls(P < 0.05), no significant differences were identified between the acute period group and the controls(P > 0.05). ConclusionsRobo3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of temporal lobe epilepsy.