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Junghans K, Wyeth M, Buckmaster PS. Rat strain differences in seizure frequency and hilar neuron loss after systemic treatment with pilocarpine. Epilepsy Res 2024; 204:107384. [PMID: 38879905 PMCID: PMC11253724 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
At least 3 months after systemic treatment with pilocarpine to induce status epilepticus, Long-Evans and Sprague-Dawley rats were video-EEG monitored for seizures continuously for 1 month. Rats were then perfused, hippocampi were processed for Nissl staining, and hilar neurons were quantified. Seizure frequency in Long-Evans rats was 1/10th of that in Sprague-Dawley rats, and more variable. Hilar neuron loss was also less severe in Long-Evans rats. However, there was no correlation between hilar neuron loss and seizure frequency in either strain. The low and variable seizure frequency suggests limited usefulness of pilocarpine-treated Long-Evans rats for some epilepsy experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Junghans
- Departments of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, 3172 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304-5475, USA
| | - Megan Wyeth
- Departments of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, 3172 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304-5475, USA.
| | - Paul S Buckmaster
- Departments of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, 3172 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304-5475, USA; Departments of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, 3172 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304-5475, USA
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2
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Che Has AT. The applications of the pilocarpine animal model of status epilepticus: 40 years of progress (1983-2023). Behav Brain Res 2023; 452:114551. [PMID: 37348654 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Status epilepticus is a neurological disorder that can result in various neuropathological conditions and presentations. Various studies involving animal models have been accomplished to understand and replicating its prominent manifestations including characteristics of related clinical cases. Up to these days, there are variety of methods and techniques to be utilized in inducing this disorder that can be chemically or electrically applied which depending on the experimental designs and targets of the studies. In particular, the chemically induced pilocarpine animal model of status epilepticus is a reliable choice which has evolved for 40 years from its initial discovery back in 1983. Although the development of the model can be considered as a remarkable breakthrough in understanding status epilepticus, several aspects of the model have been improved, throughout the years. Among the major issues in developing this model are the morbidity and mortality rates during induction process. Several modifications have been introduced in the process by different studies to tackle the related problems including application of dose fractionation, adaptation of pilocarpine to lithium-pilocarpine model and utilization of various drugs. Despite all challenges and drawbacks, this model has proven its pertinent and relevance with improvements that have been adapted since it was introduced 40 years ago. In this review, we emphasize on the evolution of this animal model from the beginning until now (1983 - 2023) and the related issues that have made this model still a popular choice in status epilepticus studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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Truckenbrod LM, Cooper EM, Orsini CA. Cognitive mechanisms underlying decision making involving risk of explicit punishment in male and female rats. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 23:248-275. [PMID: 36539558 PMCID: PMC10065932 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-022-01052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Individuals engage in the process of risk-based decision making on a daily basis to navigate various aspects of life. There are, however, individual differences in this form of decision making, with some individuals exhibiting preference for riskier choices (risk taking) and others exhibiting preference for safer choices (risk aversion). Recent work has shown that extremes in risk taking (e.g., excessive risk taking or risk aversion) are not only cognitive features of neuropsychiatric diseases, but may in fact predispose individuals to the development of such diseases. To better understand individual differences in risk taking, and thus the mechanisms by which they confer disease vulnerability, the current study investigated the cognitive contributions to risk taking in both males and females. Rats were first behaviorally characterized in a decision-making task involving risk of footshock punishment and then tested on a battery of cognitive behavioral assays. Individual variability in risk taking was compared with performance on these tasks. Consistent with prior work, females were more risk averse than males. With the exception of the Set-shifting Task, there were no sex differences in performance on other cognitive assays. There were, however, sex-dependent associations between risk taking and specific cognitive measures. Greater risk taking was associated with better cognitive flexibility in males whereas greater risk aversion was associated with better working memory in females. Collectively, these findings reveal that distinct cognitive mechanisms are associated with risk taking in males and females, which may account for sex differences in this form of decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M Truckenbrod
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Emily M Cooper
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Caitlin A Orsini
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601B Trinity Street, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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Ipsen DH, Agerskov RH, Klaebel JH, Lykkesfeldt J, Tveden-Nyborg P. The development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is subjected to breeder dependent variation in guinea pigs. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2955. [PMID: 33536590 PMCID: PMC7859397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82643-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Variability in disease development due to differences in strains and breeders constitutes a substantial challenge in preclinical research. However, the impact of the breeder on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is not yet fully elucidated. This retrospective study investigates NASH development in guinea pigs from Charles River or Envigo fed a high fat diet (20% fat, 15% sucrose, 0.35% cholesterol) for 16 or 24/25 weeks. Charles River animals displayed more severe NASH, with higher steatosis (p < 0.05 at week 16), inflammation (p < 0.05 at both week), fibrosis (p < 0.05 at week 16) and disease activity (p < 0.05 at both weeks). Accordingly, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase were increased at week 24/25 (p < 0.01). Hepatic expression of inflammatory (Ccl2, Cxcl8) and fibrotic (Pdgf, Serpine1, Col1a1) genes was also increased (p < 0.05). Differences were observed in healthy chow (4% fat, 0% sucrose, 0% cholesterol) fed animals: Envigo animals displayed higher relative liver weights (p < 0.01 at both weeks), liver cholesterol (p < 0.0001 at week 24/25) and aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.05 at week 16), but lower levels of alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.0001 at week 24/25). These findings accentuates the importance of the breeder and its effect on NASH development and severity. Consequently, this may affect reproducibility, study comparison and limit the potential of developing novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D H Ipsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - R H Agerskov
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - J H Klaebel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - J Lykkesfeldt
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Pernille Tveden-Nyborg
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Ahmed Juvale II, Che Has AT. The evolution of the pilocarpine animal model of status epilepticus. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04557. [PMID: 32775726 PMCID: PMC7393986 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The pilocarpine animal model of status epilepticus is a well-established, clinically translatable model that satisfies all of the criteria essential for an animal model of status epilepticus: a latency period followed by spontaneous recurrent seizures, replication of behavioural, electrographic, metabolic, and neuropathological changes, as well as, pharmacoresistance to anti-epileptic drugs similar to that observed in human status epilepticus. However, this model is also characterized by high mortality rates and studies in recent years have also seen difficulties in seizure induction due to pilocarpine resistant animals. This can be attributed to differences in rodent strains, species, gender, and the presence of the multi-transporter, P-glycoprotein at the blood brain barrier. The current paper highlights the various alterations made to the original pilocarpine model over the years to combat both the high mortality and low induction rates. These range from the initial lithium-pilocarpine model to the more recent Reduced Intensity Status Epilepticus (RISE) model, which finally brought the mortality rates down to 1%. These modifications are essential to improve animal welfare and future experimental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Imtiyaz Ahmed Juvale
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Whitlon DS, Young H, Barna M, Depreux F, Richter CP. Hearing differences in Hartley guinea pig stocks from two breeders. Hear Res 2019; 379:69-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Santos VR, Kobayashi I, Hammack R, Danko G, Forcelli PA. Impact of strain, sex, and estrous cycle on gamma butyrolactone-evoked absence seizures in rats. Epilepsy Res 2018; 147:62-70. [PMID: 30261353 PMCID: PMC6226012 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is the most common pediatric epilepsy syndrome and is characterized by typical absence seizures (AS). AS are non-convulsive epileptic seizures characterized by a sudden loss of awareness and bilaterally generalized synchronous 2.5-4 Hz spike and slow-wave discharges (SWD). Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) is an acute pharmacological model of AS and induces bilaterally synchronous SWDs and behavioral arrest. Despite the long use of this model, little is known about its strain and sex-dependent features. We compared the dose-response profile of GBL-evoked SWDs in three rat strains (Long Evans, Sprague-Dawley, and Wistar), and examined the modulatory effects of estrous cycle on SWDs in female Wistar rats. We evaluated the number of seizures, the cumulative time seizing, and the average seizure duration as a function of dose, strain, and sex/estrous phase. Long Evans rats displayed the greatest sensitivity to GBL, followed by Wistar rats, and then by Sprague-Dawley rats. GBL-evoked SWDs were modulated by estrous cycle in female rats, with the lowest sensitivity to GBL occurring during metestrus. Wistar rats showed the greatest variability as a function of dose, and the least variability within dose; these features make this strain desirable for interventional studies. Moreover, our finding that the SWD response to GBL differs as a function of estrous cycle underscores the importance of cycle monitoring in studies examining female animals using this model. Together, these strain and sex-dependent findings provide guidance for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor R Santos
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Ihori Kobayashi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Howard University College of Medicine, United States
| | - Robert Hammack
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Gregory Danko
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States.
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Bertoglio D, Amhaoul H, Van Eetveldt A, Houbrechts R, Van De Vijver S, Ali I, Dedeurwaerdere S. Kainic Acid-Induced Post-Status Epilepticus Models of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Diverging Seizure Phenotype and Neuropathology. Front Neurol 2017; 8:588. [PMID: 29163349 PMCID: PMC5681498 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of epilepsy models is to investigate disease ontogenesis and therapeutic interventions in a consistent and prospective manner. The kainic acid-induced status epilepticus (KASE) rat model is a widely used, well-validated model for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). As we noted significant variability within the model between labs potentially related to the rat strain used, we aimed to describe two variants of this model with diverging seizure phenotype and neuropathology. In addition, we evaluated two different protocols to induce status epilepticus (SE). Wistar Han (Charles River, France) and Sprague-Dawley (Harlan, The Netherlands) rats were subjected to KASE using the Hellier kainic acid (KA) and a modified injection scheme. Duration of SE and latent phase were characterized by video-electroencephalography (vEEG) in a subgroup of animals, while animals were sacrificed 1 week (subacute phase) and 12 weeks (chronic phase) post-SE. In the 12 weeks post-SE groups, seizures were monitored with vEEG. Neuronal loss (neuronal nuclei), microglial activation (OX-42 and translocator protein), and neurodegeneration (Fluorojade C) were assessed. First, the Hellier protocol caused very high mortality in WH/CR rats compared to SD/H animals. The modified protocol resulted in a similar SE severity for WH/CR and SD/H rats, but effectively improved survival rates. The latent phase was significantly shorter (p < 0.0001) in SD/H (median 8.3 days) animals compared to WH/CR (median 15.4 days). During the chronic phase, SD/H rats had more seizures/day compared to WH/CR animals (p < 0.01). However, neuronal degeneration and cell loss were overall more extensive in WH/CR than in SD/H rats; microglia activation was similar between the two strains 1 week post-SE, but higher in WH/CR rats 12 weeks post-SE. These neuropathological differences may be more related to the distinct neurotoxic effects of KA in the two rat strains than being the outcome of seizure burden itself. The divergences in disease progression and seizure outcome, in addition to the histopathological dissimilarities, further substantiate the existence of strain differences for the KASE rat model of TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Bertoglio
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Halima Amhaoul
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Van Eetveldt
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ruben Houbrechts
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Idrish Ali
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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9
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Löscher W, Ferland RJ, Ferraro TN. The relevance of inter- and intrastrain differences in mice and rats and their implications for models of seizures and epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 73. [PMID: 28651171 PMCID: PMC5909069 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly clear that the genetic background of mice and rats, even in inbred strains, can have a profound influence on measures of seizure susceptibility and epilepsy. These differences can be capitalized upon through genetic mapping studies to reveal genes important for seizures and epilepsy. However, strain background and particularly mixed genetic backgrounds of transgenic animals need careful consideration in both the selection of strains and in the interpretation of results and conclusions. For instance, mice with targeted deletions of genes involved in epilepsy can have profoundly disparate phenotypes depending on the background strain. In this review, we discuss findings related to how this genetic heterogeneity has and can be utilized in the epilepsy field to reveal novel insights into seizures and epilepsy. Moreover, we discuss how caution is needed in regards to rodent strain or even animal vendor choice, and how this can significantly influence seizure and epilepsy parameters in unexpected ways. This is particularly critical in decisions regarding the strain of choice used in generating mice with targeted deletions of genes. Finally, we discuss the role of environment (at vendor and/or laboratory) and epigenetic factors for inter- and intrastrain differences and how such differences can affect the expression of seizures and the animals' performance in behavioral tests that often accompany acute and chronic seizure testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Russell J Ferland
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States; Department of Neurology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Thomas N Ferraro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
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10
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Légat L, Brouwers S, Smolders IJ, Dupont AG. Hypotensive Response to Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Stimulation in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Requires Functional GABA-A Receptors. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:346. [PMID: 28674483 PMCID: PMC5474467 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Angiotensin II, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) interact within the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) modulating the central regulation of blood pressure and sympathetic tone. Our aim was to assess the effects of local angiotensin II type 2 receptor stimulation within the RVLM and the PVN on neurotransmitter concentrations and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Methods:In vivo microdialysis was used for measurement of extracellular glutamate and GABA levels and for local infusion of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist Compound 21 in the RVLM and the PVN of conscious normotensive Wistar rats. The MAP response to local Compound 21 was monitored with a pressure transducer under anaesthesia. Angiotensin II type 2 receptor selectivity was assessed using the angiotensin II type 2 receptor antagonist PD123319; the GABA-A receptor antagonist bicuculline was used to assess the involvement of GABA-A receptors. Results: Infusion of Compound 21 (0.05 μg/μl/h) in the RVLM significantly increased GABA levels and lowered blood pressure. These effects were abolished by co-infusion with PD123319. No changes in neurotransmitter levels or effects on blood pressure were seen with PD123319 infusion alone. Co-infusion of bicuculline abolished the Compound 21 evoked decrease in MAP. Infusion of Compound 21 within the PVN did not change extracellular neurotransmitter levels nor MAP. Conclusion: Selective stimulation of angiotensin II type 2 receptor within the RVLM by local Compound 21 infusion reduces blood pressure and increases local GABA levels in normotensive rats. This hypotensive response requires functional GABA-A receptors, suggesting that GABAergic neurons are involved in the sympatho-inhibitory action underlying this hypotensive response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Légat
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information (FASC), Research Group Experimental Pharmacology (EFAR), Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrussels, Belgium.,Cardiovascular Center, Universitair Ziekenhuis BrusselBrussels, Belgium.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Universitair Ziekenhuis BrusselBrussels, Belgium
| | - Sofie Brouwers
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information (FASC), Research Group Experimental Pharmacology (EFAR), Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrussels, Belgium.,Cardiovascular Center, Universitair Ziekenhuis BrusselBrussels, Belgium.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Universitair Ziekenhuis BrusselBrussels, Belgium
| | - Ilse J Smolders
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information (FASC), Research Group Experimental Pharmacology (EFAR), Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrussels, Belgium
| | - Alain G Dupont
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information (FASC), Research Group Experimental Pharmacology (EFAR), Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrussels, Belgium.,Cardiovascular Center, Universitair Ziekenhuis BrusselBrussels, Belgium.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Universitair Ziekenhuis BrusselBrussels, Belgium
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The pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy: Marked intrastrain differences in female Sprague-Dawley rats and the effect of estrous cycle. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 61:141-152. [PMID: 27344503 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Rat strains such as Sprague-Dawley (SD) or Wistar are widely used in epilepsy research, including popular models of temporal lobe epilepsy in which spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS), hippocampal damage, and behavioral alterations develop after status epilepticus (SE). Such rats are randomly outbred, and outbred strains are known to be genetically heterogeneous populations with a high intrastrain variation. Intrastrain differences may be an important reason for discrepancies between studies from different laboratories, but the extent to which such differences affect the development of seizures, neurodegeneration, and psychopathology in post-SE models of epilepsy has received relatively little attention. In the present study, we induced SE by systemic administration of pilocarpine (following pretreatment with lithium) in SD rats from different breeders (Harlan, Charles River [CRL], Taconic) as well as different breeding locations of the same breeder (Harlan-Winkelmann [HW] in Germany vs. Harlan Laboratories [HL] in the Netherlands). Some experiments were also performed in Wistar rats. Pilocarpine was administered by a ramp-up dosing protocol that allows determining interindividual differences in susceptibility to the convulsant. Marked intrastrain differences in induction of SE and its long-term consequences were found. Sprague-Dawley rats from HW were significantly more sensitive to SE induction than all other SD substrains. The majority of SD rats from different vendors developed SRS after SE except SD rats from HL. The CRL-SD rats markedly differed in basal behavior and SE-induced behavioral alterations from other SD substrains. Susceptibility to pilocarpine was hardly affected by the estrous cycle. The marked intrastrain differences provide an interesting tool to study the impact of genetic and environmental factors on seizure susceptibility, epileptogenesis, and relationship between behavior and epilepsy and vice versa.
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Neuropeptide FF receptors as novel targets for limbic seizure attenuation. Neuropharmacology 2015; 95:415-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Portelli J, Coppens J, Demuyser T, Smolders I. Des-acyl ghrelin attenuates pilocarpine-induced limbic seizures via the ghrelin receptor and not the orexin pathway. Neuropeptides 2015; 51:1-7. [PMID: 26002375 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Des-acyl ghrelin, widely accepted to work independently of the ghrelin receptor, is increasingly being implicated in a number of biological functions. The involvement of des-acyl ghrelin in epilepsy has only been recently reported. In this study, apart from unravelling the effect of des-acyl ghrelin on seizure thresholds and seizure severity in two models of pilocarpine-induced seizures, we mainly attempted to unravel its anticonvulsant mechanism of action. Since it was found that des-acyl ghrelin administration affected food intake via the orexin pathway, we first determined whether this pathway was responsible for des-acyl ghrelin's seizure-attenuating properties using the dual orexin receptor antagonist almorexant. We noted that, while des-acyl ghrelin showed dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects against focal pilocarpine-evoked seizures in rats, almorexant did not affect seizure severity and did not reverse des-acyl ghrelin's anticonvulsant effect. Subsequently, to investigate whether the ghrelin receptor was implicated in des-acyl ghrelin's anticonvulsant properties, we tested this peptide in ghrelin receptor deficient mice and wild type mice, all infused with pilocarpine intravenously. Unexpectedly, we found that des-acyl ghrelin significantly elevated seizure thresholds in C57Bl/6 and wild type mice but not in ghrelin receptor knock-out mice. Taken together, our results indicate the involvement of the ghrelin receptor in the anticonvulsant effects of des-acyl ghrelin on pilocarpine-induced seizures. We also show for the first time that dual antagonism of hippocampal orexin receptors does not affect seizure severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanelle Portelli
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium; Department of Neurology, UZ Gent, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Jessica Coppens
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Thomas Demuyser
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Ilse Smolders
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium.
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14
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Interstrain differences of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits in the hippocampus and induction of hippocampal sclerosis with pilocarpine in mice. J Chem Neuroanat 2015; 64-65:1-11. [PMID: 25697672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rodent strains used in epilepsy research have various neurological characteristics. These differences were suggested to be attributed to the diverse densities of the ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) subunits. However, previous studies failed to find interstrain differences in the hippocampal receptor levels. We supposed that a detailed layer-to-layer analysis of the iGluR subunits in the hippocampus might reveal strain-dependent differences in their base lines and reactions induced by pilocarpine (PILO) between two mouse strains without documented ancestors. Levels of iGluR subunits in Balb/c and NMRI mice were compared using semiquantitative immunohistochemistry. The alterations in the neuronal circuitry were validated by neuropeptide Y (NPY) and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) immunostainings. Immunohistochemistry showed interstrain laminar differences in some subunits of both the control and PILO-treated animals. The seizure-induced irreversible neuronal changes were accompanied by reduced GluA1 and GluA2 levels. Their changes were inversely correlated in the individual NMRI mice by Pearson's method. Increase in NPY immunoreactivity showed positive correlation with GluA1, and negative correlation with GluA2. The NMRI strain was susceptible to PILO-induced hippocampal sclerosis, while the Balb/c animals showed resistance. Basal levels of iGluRs differ in mouse strains, which may account for the interstrain differences in their reactions to the convulsant.
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Soukupová M, Binaschi A, Falcicchia C, Zucchini S, Roncon P, Palma E, Magri E, Grandi E, Simonato M. Impairment of GABA release in the hippocampus at the time of the first spontaneous seizure in the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Exp Neurol 2014; 257:39-49. [PMID: 24768627 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The alterations in GABA release have not yet been systematically measured along the natural course of temporal lobe epilepsy. In this work, we analyzed GABA extracellular concentrations (using in vivo microdialysis under basal and high K(+)-evoked conditions) and loss of two GABA interneuron populations (parvalbumin and somatostatin neurons) in the ventral hippocampus at different time-points after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in the rat, i.e. during development and progression of epilepsy. We found that (i) during the latent period between the epileptogenic insult, status epilepticus, and the first spontaneous seizure, basal GABA outflow was reduced to about one third of control values while the number of parvalbumin-positive cells was reduced by about 50% and that of somatostatin-positive cells by about 25%; nonetheless, high K(+) stimulation increased extracellular GABA in a proportionally greater manner during latency than under control conditions; (ii) at the time of the first spontaneous seizure (i.e., when the diagnosis of epilepsy is made in humans) this increased responsiveness to stimulation disappeared, i.e. there was no longer any compensation for GABA cell loss; (iii) thereafter, this dysfunction remained constant until a late phase of the disease. These data suggest that a GABAergic hyper-responsiveness can compensate for GABA cell loss and protect from occurrence of seizures during latency, whereas impaired extracellular GABA levels can favor the occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures and the maintenance of an epileptic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Soukupová
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy.
| | - Anna Binaschi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
| | - Chiara Falcicchia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy; Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Roncon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy
| | - Eleonora Palma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology University of Roma "Sapienza", Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Roma, Italy
| | - Eros Magri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Grandi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy; Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, Italy
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Disease Influence on BBB Transport in Neurodegenerative Disorders. DRUG DELIVERY TO THE BRAIN 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9105-7_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Vasilevsky NA, Brush MH, Paddock H, Ponting L, Tripathy SJ, Larocca GM, Haendel MA. On the reproducibility of science: unique identification of research resources in the biomedical literature. PeerJ 2013; 1:e148. [PMID: 24032093 PMCID: PMC3771067 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific reproducibility has been at the forefront of many news stories and there exist numerous initiatives to help address this problem. We posit that a contributor is simply a lack of specificity that is required to enable adequate research reproducibility. In particular, the inability to uniquely identify research resources, such as antibodies and model organisms, makes it difficult or impossible to reproduce experiments even where the science is otherwise sound. In order to better understand the magnitude of this problem, we designed an experiment to ascertain the “identifiability” of research resources in the biomedical literature. We evaluated recent journal articles in the fields of Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Immunology, Cell and Molecular Biology and General Biology, selected randomly based on a diversity of impact factors for the journals, publishers, and experimental method reporting guidelines. We attempted to uniquely identify model organisms (mouse, rat, zebrafish, worm, fly and yeast), antibodies, knockdown reagents (morpholinos or RNAi), constructs, and cell lines. Specific criteria were developed to determine if a resource was uniquely identifiable, and included examining relevant repositories (such as model organism databases, and the Antibody Registry), as well as vendor sites. The results of this experiment show that 54% of resources are not uniquely identifiable in publications, regardless of domain, journal impact factor, or reporting requirements. For example, in many cases the organism strain in which the experiment was performed or antibody that was used could not be identified. Our results show that identifiability is a serious problem for reproducibility. Based on these results, we provide recommendations to authors, reviewers, journal editors, vendors, and publishers. Scientific efficiency and reproducibility depend upon a research-wide improvement of this substantial problem in science today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Vasilevsky
- Ontology Development Group, Library, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, OR , USA
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Van Liefferinge J, Massie A, Portelli J, Di Giovanni G, Smolders I. Are vesicular neurotransmitter transporters potential treatment targets for temporal lobe epilepsy? Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:139. [PMID: 24009559 PMCID: PMC3757300 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The vesicular neurotransmitter transporters (VNTs) are small proteins responsible for packing synaptic vesicles with neurotransmitters thereby determining the amount of neurotransmitter released per vesicle through fusion in both neurons and glial cells. Each transporter subtype was classically seen as a specific neuronal marker of the respective nerve cells containing that particular neurotransmitter or structurally related neurotransmitters. More recently, however, it has become apparent that common neurotransmitters can also act as co-transmitters, adding complexity to neurotransmitter release and suggesting intriguing roles for VNTs therein. We will first describe the current knowledge on vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUT1/2/3), the vesicular excitatory amino acid transporter (VEAT), the vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT), vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT1/2), the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) and the vesicular γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter (VGAT) in the brain. We will focus on evidence regarding transgenic mice with disruptions in VNTs in different models of seizures and epilepsy. We will also describe the known alterations and reorganizations in the expression levels of these VNTs in rodent models for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and in human tissue resected for epilepsy surgery. Finally, we will discuss perspectives on opportunities and challenges for VNTs as targets for possible future epilepsy therapies.
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Dedeurwaerdere S, Fang K, Chow M, Shen YT, Noordman I, van Raay L, Faggian N, Porritt M, Egan G, O'Brien T. Manganese-enhanced MRI reflects seizure outcome in a model for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Neuroimage 2013; 68:30-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.11.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Portelli J, Thielemans L, Ver Donck L, Loyens E, Coppens J, Aourz N, Aerssens J, Vermoesen K, Clinckers R, Schallier A, Michotte Y, Moechars D, Collingridge GL, Bortolotto ZA, Smolders I. Inactivation of the constitutively active ghrelin receptor attenuates limbic seizure activity in rodents. Neurotherapeutics 2012; 9:658-72. [PMID: 22669710 PMCID: PMC3441926 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-012-0125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is a pleiotropic neuropeptide that has been recently implicated in epilepsy. Animal studies performed to date indicate that ghrelin has anticonvulsant properties; however, its mechanism of anticonvulsant action is unknown. Here we show that the anticonvulsant effects of ghrelin are mediated via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). To our surprise, however, we found that the GHSR knockout mice had a higher seizure threshold than their wild-type littermates when treated with pilocarpine. Using both in vivo and in vitro models, we further discovered that inverse agonism and desensitization/internalization of the GHSR attenuate limbic seizures in rats and epileptiform activity in hippocampal slices. This constitutes a novel mechanism of anticonvulsant action, whereby an endogenous agonist reduces the activity of a constitutively active receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanelle Portelli
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leen Thielemans
- Janssen Research and Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Luc Ver Donck
- Janssen Research and Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Ellen Loyens
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jessica Coppens
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Najat Aourz
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Aerssens
- Janssen Research and Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Katia Vermoesen
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ralph Clinckers
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anneleen Schallier
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yvette Michotte
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dieder Moechars
- Janssen Research and Development, a Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Graham L. Collingridge
- MRC Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, BS8 1TD Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, 151-746 Seoul, Gwanakgu Korea
| | - Zuner A. Bortolotto
- MRC Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, BS8 1TD Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ilse Smolders
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Langer M, Brandt C, Löscher W. Marked strain and substrain differences in induction of status epilepticus and subsequent development of neurodegeneration, epilepsy, and behavioral alterations in rats. Epilepsy Res 2011; 96:207-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Zgavc T, Ceulemans AG, Sarre S, Michotte Y, Hachimi-Idrissi S. Experimental and clinical use of therapeutic hypothermia for ischemic stroke: opportunities and limitations. Stroke Res Treat 2011; 2011:689290. [PMID: 21789271 PMCID: PMC3140058 DOI: 10.4061/2011/689290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke remains a disease with a serious impact on quality of life but few effective treatments exist. There is an urgent need to develop and/or improve neuroprotective strategies to combat this. Many drugs proven to be neuroprotective in experimental models fail to improve patient outcome in a clinical setting. An emerging treatment, therapeutic hypothermia (TH), is a promising neuroprotective therapy in stroke management. Several studies with TH in experimental models and small clinical trials have shown beneficial effects. Despite this, implementation into the clinical setting is still lacking due to methodological considerations as well as hypothermia-related complications. This paper discusses the possible opportunities and limitations of the use of TH in animal models and the translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Zgavc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Center for Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Löscher W, Brandt C. Prevention or modification of epileptogenesis after brain insults: experimental approaches and translational research. Pharmacol Rev 2011; 62:668-700. [PMID: 21079040 DOI: 10.1124/pr.110.003046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse brain insults, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, infections, tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and prolonged acute symptomatic seizures, such as complex febrile seizures or status epilepticus (SE), can induce "epileptogenesis," a process by which normal brain tissue is transformed into tissue capable of generating spontaneous recurrent seizures. Furthermore, epileptogenesis operates in cryptogenic causes of epilepsy. In view of the accumulating information about cellular and molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis, it should be possible to intervene in this process before the onset of seizures and thereby either prevent the development of epilepsy in patients at risk or increase the potential for better long-term outcome, which constitutes a major clinical need. For identifying pharmacological interventions that prevent, interrupt or reverse the epileptogenic process in people at risk, two groups of animal models, kindling and SE-induced recurrent seizures, have been recommended as potentially useful tools. Furthermore, genetic rodent models of epileptogenesis are increasingly used in assessing antiepileptogenic treatments. Two approaches have been used in these different model categories: screening of clinically established antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for antiepileptogenic or disease-modifying potential, and targeting the key causal mechanisms that underlie epileptogenesis. The first approach indicated that among various AEDs, topiramate, levetiracetam, carisbamate, and valproate may be the most promising. On the basis of these experimental findings, two ongoing clinical trials will address the antiepileptogenic potential of topiramate and levetiracetam in patients with traumatic brain injury, hopefully translating laboratory discoveries into successful therapies. The second approach has highlighted neurodegeneration, inflammation and up-regulation of immune responses, and neuronal hyperexcitability as potential targets for antiepileptogenesis or disease modification. This article reviews these areas of progress and discusses the challenges associated with discovery of antiepileptogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 17, Hannover, Germany.
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Honndorf S, Lindemann C, Töllner K, Gernert M. Female Wistar rats obtained from different breeders vary in anxiety-like behavior and epileptogenesis. Epilepsy Res 2011; 94:26-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2010.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2010] [Revised: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 12/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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