Computerized EEG analysis of penicillin induced seizure threshold in developing rats
Sharma, S.K.; Selvamurthy, W.; Behari, M.; Maheshwari, M.C.; Singh, T.P.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 86: 775-782
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 3131241 Document Number: 288520
A study was conducted to establish seizure threshold of young developing rats (5-30 days) using penicillin induced models of experimental epilepsy. In addition, the effect of intrarectal administration of sodium valproate on seizure discharge was also assessed. Frequency and power spectral analysis of EEG was carried out using Nicolet MED-80 computer. Younger animals (5-10 days) were less responsive and highly susceptible, whereas older animals (20-30 days) were more responsive but less susceptible to increasing penicillin doses. Cortical inhibition was the primary event in response to penicillin in both younger and older animals. The sequence of EEG changes during electrical seizure revealed initial focal inhibition and decrease in background discharge at lower concentrations, followed by focal spike and wave activity which spread unilaterally and then bilaterally with increasing penicillin concentrations. The younger rats exhibited prolonged recovery time as compared to adults. After inducing status epilepticus, intrarectal administration of sodium valproate resulted in decrease in biological variability, spike episodes and amplitude with a gradual increase in frequency and background discharge.