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Zhang D, Qiu L, Zhang Y, Sang Y, Zheng N, Liu X. Efficacy and safety of sodium valproate plus lamotrigine in children with refractory epilepsy. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:2698-2704. [PMID: 32765764 PMCID: PMC7401730 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficacy and safety of sodium valproate (SV) and lamotrigine (LTG) in treating refractory epilepsy (RE) in children and the predictive value of serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and central nervous system specific S100β protein (S100β) on efficacy assessment were explored. A total of 110 RE children admitted to Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University were enrolled. Patients treated with SV alone served as the control group (n=51), and those treated with SV plus LTG as the study group (n=59). Serum NSE and S100β expression levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The efficacy, seizure frequency, adverse reactions, concentration of serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), and expression of serum NSE and S100β were observed and compared. The total effective rate in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the seizure frequency and incidence of adverse reactions were significantly lower than that in the control group. The study group showed remarkably higher BDNF and NGF than the control group after treatment. The expression of serum NSE and S100β in effectively treated children were significantly lower than that in ineffectively treated children. The area under the curve (AUC) of serum NSE and S100β were 0.828 and 0.814 respectively. SV combined with LTG is better and safer than SV alone in the treatment of RE in children. Serum NSE and S100β are of high value in predicting the efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongli Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, P.R. China
| | - Li Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Sang
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, P.R. China
| | - Nuo Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, P.R. China
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2
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Takács VT, Cserép C, Schlingloff D, Pósfai B, Szőnyi A, Sos KE, Környei Z, Dénes Á, Gulyás AI, Freund TF, Nyiri G. Co-transmission of acetylcholine and GABA regulates hippocampal states. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2848. [PMID: 30030438 PMCID: PMC6054650 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05136-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The basal forebrain cholinergic system is widely assumed to control cortical functions via non-synaptic transmission of a single neurotransmitter. Yet, we find that mouse hippocampal cholinergic terminals invariably establish GABAergic synapses, and their cholinergic vesicles dock at those synapses only. We demonstrate that these synapses do not co-release but co-transmit GABA and acetylcholine via different vesicles, whose release is triggered by distinct calcium channels. This co-transmission evokes composite postsynaptic potentials, which are mutually cross-regulated by presynaptic autoreceptors. Although postsynaptic cholinergic receptor distribution cannot be investigated, their response latencies suggest a focal, intra- and/or peri-synaptic localisation, while GABAA receptors are detected intra-synaptically. The GABAergic component alone effectively suppresses hippocampal sharp wave-ripples and epileptiform activity. Therefore, the differentially regulated GABAergic and cholinergic co-transmission suggests a hitherto unrecognised level of control over cortical states. This novel model of hippocampal cholinergic neurotransmission may lead to alternative pharmacotherapies after cholinergic deinnervation seen in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virág T Takács
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Csaba Cserép
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary.,Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Dániel Schlingloff
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary.,János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1085, Hungary
| | - Balázs Pósfai
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - András Szőnyi
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary.,János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1085, Hungary
| | - Katalin E Sos
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary.,János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1085, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Környei
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Ádám Dénes
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Attila I Gulyás
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Tamás F Freund
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Gábor Nyiri
- Laboratory of Cerebral Cortex Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u 43, Budapest, 1083, Hungary.
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Oh JH, Kang BS, Choi JC. CADASIL Initially Presented with a Seizure. J Epilepsy Res 2017; 6:104-106. [PMID: 28101484 PMCID: PMC5206098 DOI: 10.14581/jer.16020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a hereditary disease of the cerebral small blood vessels characterized by recurrent ischemic strokes, migraine, and progressive cognitive impairment. In patients with CADASIL, in whom subcortical white matter structures are typically involved, epileptic seizures have been rarely reported as an initial clinical symptom. We describe a patient genetically confirmed as having CADASIL who initially presented with a seizure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hwan Oh
- Department of Neurology, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | | | - Jay Chol Choi
- Department of Neurology, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
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4
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Gidyk DC, Deibel SH, Hong NS, McDonald RJ. Barriers to developing a valid rodent model of Alzheimer's disease: from behavioral analysis to etiological mechanisms. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:245. [PMID: 26283893 PMCID: PMC4518326 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of age-related dementia. As such, great effort has been put forth to investigate the etiology, progression, and underlying mechanisms of the disease. Countless studies have been conducted, however, the details of this disease remain largely unknown. Rodent models provide opportunities to investigate certain aspects of AD that cannot be studied in humans. These animal models vary from study to study and have provided some insight, but no real advancements in the prevention or treatment of the disease. In this Hypothesis and Theory paper, we discuss what we perceive as barriers to impactful discovery in rodent AD research and we offer potential solutions for moving forward. Although no single model of AD is capable of providing the solution to the growing epidemic of the disease, we encourage a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the complex etiology of AD with the goal of enhancing the bidirectional translatability from bench to bedside and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl C. Gidyk
- *Correspondence: Darryl C. Gidyk, Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 6W4, Canada
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5
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Papale LA, Makinson CD, Christopher Ehlen J, Tufik S, Decker MJ, Paul KN, Escayg A. Altered sleep regulation in a mouse model of SCN1A-derived genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). Epilepsia 2013; 54:625-34. [PMID: 23311867 DOI: 10.1111/epi.12060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene SCN1A are responsible for a number of epilepsy disorders, including genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) and Dravet syndrome. In addition to seizures, patients with SCN1A mutations often experience sleep abnormalities, suggesting that SCN1A may also play a role in the neuronal pathways involved in the regulation of sleep. However, to date, a role for SCN1A in the regulation of sleep architecture has not been directly examined. To fill this gap, we tested the hypothesis that SCN1A contributes to the regulation of sleep architecture, and by extension, that SCN1A dysfunction contributes to the sleep abnormalities observed in patients with SCN1A mutations. METHODS Using immunohistochemistry we first examined the expression of mouse Scn1a in regions of the mouse brain that are known to be involved in seizure generation and sleep regulation. Next, we performed detailed analysis of sleep and wake electroencephalography (EEG) patterns during 48 continuous hours of baseline recordings in a knock-in mouse line that expresses the human SCN1A GEFS+ mutation R1648H (RH mutants). We also characterized the sleep-wake pattern following 6 h of sleep deprivation. KEY FINDINGS Immunohistochemistry revealed broad expression of Scn1a in the neocortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamic reticular nuclei, dorsal raphe nuclei, pedunculopontine, and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei. Co-localization between Scn1a immunoreactivity and critical cell types within these regions was also observed. EEG analysis under baseline conditions revealed increased wakefulness and reduced non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep amounts during the dark phase in the RH mutants, suggesting a sleep deficit. Nevertheless, the mutants exhibited levels of NREM and REM sleep that were generally similar to wild-type littermates during the recovery period following 6 h of sleep deprivation. SIGNIFICANCE These results establish a direct role for SCN1A in the regulation of sleep and suggest that patients with SCN1A mutations may experience chronic alterations in sleep, potentially leading to negative outcomes over time. In addition, the expression of Scn1a in specific cell types/brain regions that are known to play critical roles in seizure generation and sleep now provides a mechanistic basis for the clinical features (seizures and sleep abnormalities) associated with human SCN1A mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia A Papale
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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6
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Laursen B, Mørk A, Plath N, Kristiansen U, Bastlund JF. Cholinergic degeneration is associated with increased plaque deposition and cognitive impairment in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Behav Brain Res 2012. [PMID: 23178660 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cholinergic dysfunction and deposition of plaques containing amyloid β-peptides (Aβ) are two of the characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we combine APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice with the cholinergic immunotoxin mu p75-saporin (SAP) to integrate partial basal forebrain cholinergic degeneration and the neuropathology of APP/PS1 mice. By 6 months of age, APP/PS1 mice and wild type littermates (Wt) received intracerebroventricular injection of 0.6 μg SAP (lesion) or PBS (sham). Two months following surgery, APP/PS1 mice treated with SAP were significantly impaired compared to sham treated APP/PS1 mice in a behavioural paradigm addressing working memory. Conversely, the performance of Wt mice was unaffected by SAP treatment. Choline acetyltransferase activity was reduced in the hippocampus and frontal cortex following SAP treatment. The selective effect of a mild SAP lesion in APP/PS1 mice was not due to a more extensive cholinergic degeneration since the reduction in choline acetyltransferase activity was similar following SAP treatment in APP/PS1 mice and Wt. Interestingly, plaque load was significantly increased in SAP treated APP/PS1 mice relative to sham lesioned APP/PS1 mice. Additionally, APP/PS1 mice treated with SAP showed a tendency towards an increased level of soluble and insoluble Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 measured in brain tissue homogenate. Our results suggest that the combination of cholinergic degeneration and Aβ overexpression in the APP/PS1 mouse model results in cognitive decline and accelerated plaque burden. SAP treated APP/PS1 mice might thus constitute an improved model of Alzheimer's disease-like neuropathology and cognitive deficits compared to the conventional APP/PS1 model without selective removal of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Laursen
- H. Lundbeck A/S, Synaptic Transmission 1, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Valby, Denmark.
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7
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Craig LA, Hong NS, McDonald RJ. Revisiting the cholinergic hypothesis in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2011; 35:1397-409. [PMID: 21392524 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Revised: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia affecting the elderly population today; however, there is currently no accurate description of the etiology of this devastating disorder. No single factor has been demonstrated as being causative; however, an alternative co-factors theory suggests that the interaction of multiple risk factors is responsible for AD. We have used this model, in combination with the original cholinergic hypothesis of AD to propose a "new" cholinergic hypothesis that we present in this review. This new version takes into account recent findings from the literature and our reports of removal of medial septum cholinergic projections to the hippocampus reduces both behavioural and anatomical plasticity, resulting in greater cognitive impairment in response to secondary insults (stress, injury, disease, etc.). We will first summarize the experimental results and discuss some potential mechanisms that could explain our results. We will then present our 'new' version of the cholinergic hypothesis and how it relates to the field of AD research today. Finally we will discuss some of the implications for treatment that arise from this model and present directions for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Craig
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge; 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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8
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Craig LA, Hong NS, Kopp J, McDonald RJ. Reduced cholinergic status in hippocampus produces spatial memory deficits when combined with kainic acid induced seizures. Hippocampus 2008; 18:1112-21. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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9
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Colom LV, Garrido-Sanabria E. Modulation of normal and altered hippocampal excitability states by septal networks. J Neurosci Res 2008; 85:2839-43. [PMID: 17393499 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The septal region of the basal forebrain plays a dual role: 1) It modulates hippocampal excitability, facilitating synaptic plasticity within hippocampal circuits. Through this mechanism, the septum facilitates diverse cognitive processes that involve hippocampal circuits. 2) Additionally, the septum maintains the hippocampal networks working within normal ranges, decreasing the probability of abnormal excitability states. Through this second mechanism, the septum prevents the occurrence of epileptic discharges. Thus, septal alterations may lead to both decreased cognitive functions and epilepsy, as observed in elderly patients affected with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis V Colom
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Biomedical Studies, The University of Texas at Brownsville, Brownsville, Texas 78520, USA.
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10
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Koh S, Santos TC, Cole AJ. Susceptibility to seizure-induced injury and acquired microencephaly following intraventricular injection of saporin-conjugated 192 IgG in developing rat brain. Exp Neurol 2005; 194:457-66. [PMID: 16022871 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2005.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2004] [Revised: 03/09/2005] [Accepted: 03/09/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
To study the role of neurotrophin-responsive neurons in brain growth and developmental resistance to seizure-induced injury, we infused saporin-conjugated 192-IgG (192 IgG-saporin), a monoclonal antibody directed at the P75 neurotrophin receptors (p75(NTR)), into the ventricles of postnatal day 8 (P8) rat pups. 7-10 days after immunotoxin treatment, loss of p75(NTR) immunoreactivity was associated with depletion of basal forebrain cholinergic projection to the neocortex and hippocampus. Kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures on P15 resulted in hippocampal neuronal injury in the majority of toxin-treated animals (13/16), but only rarely in saline-injected controls (2/25) (P < 0.001). In addition, widespread cerebral atrophy and a significant decrease in brain weight with preserved body weight were observed. Volumetric analysis of the hippocampal hilar region revealed a 2-fold reduction in perikaryal size and a 1.7-fold increase in cell packing density after 192 IgG-saporin injection. These observations indicate that neurotrophin-responsive neurons including basal forebrain magnocellular cholinergic neurons may be critical for normal brain growth and play a protective role in preventing excitotoxic neuronal injury during development.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Atrophy/chemically induced
- Atrophy/pathology
- Atrophy/physiopathology
- Basal Nucleus of Meynert/drug effects
- Basal Nucleus of Meynert/pathology
- Basal Nucleus of Meynert/physiopathology
- Brain Damage, Chronic/chemically induced
- Brain Damage, Chronic/pathology
- Brain Damage, Chronic/physiopathology
- Cholinergic Agents/pharmacology
- Convulsants/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Susceptibility/physiopathology
- Epilepsy/chemically induced
- Epilepsy/complications
- Epilepsy/physiopathology
- Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists/pharmacology
- Female
- Immunotoxins/pharmacology
- Injections, Intraventricular
- Kainic Acid/pharmacology
- Male
- N-Glycosyl Hydrolases
- Nerve Degeneration/chemically induced
- Nerve Degeneration/pathology
- Nerve Degeneration/physiopathology
- Nerve Growth Factors/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor/metabolism
- Ribosome Inactivating Proteins, Type 1
- Saporins
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Affiliation(s)
- Sookyong Koh
- MGH Epilepsy Service, Epilepsy Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, VBK 830, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Toth M. The epsilon theory: a novel synthesis of the underlying molecular and electrophysiological mechanisms of primary generalized epilepsy and the possible mechanism of action of valproate. Med Hypotheses 2005; 64:267-72. [PMID: 15607553 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2004.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2004] [Accepted: 07/05/2004] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Primary generalized epilepsy may be the result of maldevelopment of central nervous system and each seizure may be the consequence of a neuronal maladaptation to an unknown stimulus using the paleospinothalamical tract due to an overexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3. The subsequent protein kinase C epsilon (PKC-epsilon) activation and intracellular Ca(2+) release causes a nociceptive hypersensitization and an increased cortical hyperexcitability because of increased frequency of synchronous Ca(2+) oscillations, cortical maldevelopment at the level of synapses and an attenuation of GABA(A) receptor mediated responses in reticular thalamic nucleus. Valproate may exert its antiepileptic effect as a PKC-epsilon inhibitor, and using with a PKC-epsilon activator that cannot pass blood brain barrier, its side effects may become avoidable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marton Toth
- Centre for Postgraduate Education, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary.
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Silveira DC, Cha BH, Holmes GL. Effects of lesions of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in newborn rats on susceptibility to seizures. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 2002; 139:277-83. [PMID: 12480142 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-3806(02)00586-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The cholinergic system modulates cerebral excitability. We recently reported that immunolesions of the basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons in adult rats increase the susceptibility to generalized seizures. In this study we investigated the effects of lesions of the BF cholinergic neurons in neonatal rats on seizure susceptibility and cognitive function. Neonatal rats at postnatal day (P) 7 received intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of 192 IgG-saporin (SAP) or phosphate-buffered saline. Following 3 weeks after the injection the first group of rats was implanted with hippocampal electrodes for electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings while the second group of rats was tested for visual spatial memory using the hidden platform version of the water maze test. The first group of rats was then tested for seizure susceptibility using flurothyl 1 week after the electrode implantation. Rats that received immunolesions of the BF cholinergic neurons at P7 had significantly shorter latencies to onset of myoclonic jerks and tonic-clonic seizures than controls. However, no significant differences were found in the duration of seizures, or EEG ictal duration. No significant deficits in spatial learning were found between rats that received i.c.v. injections of SAP at P7 and controls. As in adult rats, lesions of the BF cholinergic system in rat pups result in subsequent increase in seizure susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diosely C Silveira
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Enders # 320, Boston, MA 02155, USA.
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