Absence epilepsy models in rodents

作者：Eguibar Jose R^*; del Carmen Cortes Ma

来源：Gaceta Medica de Mexico, 2010, 146(5): 332-338.

• Absence
• electroencephalography
• epilepsy
• pharmacotherapy
• neurophysiology

Animal models are a useful tool because it is. possible to perform neuroanatomical electrophysiological and pharmacological studies throughour their development. The most common models for experimental studies of absence seizures are the GAERS (Genetic Absence Epilepsy rat from Strasbourg) and the WAG/Rij (Wistar Absence Glaxo from Rijswijk) rats. In WAG/Rij rats it has been demonstrated that the perioral region in the somatosensorial cortex shows a zone with hiperexcitability which is the origin of spike wave discharges (SWD). In fact, this cortical area shows modifications in sodium channels which increase the excitability of cortical neurons; for this reason, local application of phenytoin or lidocaine, which block sodium channels, reduce SWD. Ethosuximide decreases and pentylenetetrazol increases SWD in GAERS and WAG/Rij rats. At the Institute of Physiology in the Benemerita Autonomous University of Puebla we have obtained a myelin mutant rat called "taiep", which is the acronym of tremor, ataxia, immobility episodes, epilepsy, and paralysis. This model shows a SWD with higher frequency during awaking periods; the SWD increases with systemic administration of pentylenetetrazol and decreases with ethosuximide. these findings in animal models are susceptible to be tested in human beings through magneto- and electro-encephalographic recording techniques to discern the source of this ope of epilepsy Thus, in biomedical research, animal models are useful tools to discern the neural and network alterations responsible for the absence seizures, and allow to design of more specific therapeutic options with fewer side effects.

• 出版日期2010-10