Repeated sub-convulsive electrical stimulation of the rat amygdala or hippocampus induces seizures generate powerful models for seizure research. Amygdala kindling mimics temporal lobe epilepsy, while hippocampal kindling replicates human focal seizures and is associated with cognitive impairment and neuronal damage. These chronic models are invaluable tools for screening and developing novel antiseizure drugs (ASDs), offering insights into both the mechanisms of epilepsy and potential therapeutic interventions.
Amygdala Kindling
An increase in seizure severity (A, behavioral changes) and duration of after-discharge (B, cortical EEG) is observed during amygdala kindling in freely moving rats. Seizure severity (Racine’s scale: 0 – 5) increases progressively with an increased number of stimulations. The duration of EEG after-discharge increases as the seizure severity progresses and reaches a plateau after 7 – 9 days of kindling stimulation.
Valproate Attenuates Seizures in Amygdala-kindled Rats
Raw EEG recordings of vehicle-treated (A) and Valproate (300mg/kg; IP)-treated (B) amygdala-kindled rats. Arrows indicate stimulation. Treatment with valproate decreased seizure score (C) and after-discharge duration (D) in amygdala-kindled rats
Valproate Attenuates Seizures in Hippocampal-kindled Rats
Raw EEG recording of vehicle-treated (A) and Valproate (300mg/kg; IP)-treated (B) hippocampal-kindled rat. Red arrows indicate stimulation. Treatment with valproate decreased seizure score (C) and after-discharge duration (D) in hippocampal-kindled rats.