Frequency of occurrence of seizures in a Mongolian gerbil population was shown to be a function of age but not sex. Seizures first appeared at 2 mo. of age and at 6 mo. their frequency was still increasing. The trigger appears to be increased, possibly stressful, stimulus input. Early stimulation in the form of weekly tests, from 1 wk. to 4 mo. of age, delayed appearance and sharply curtailed occurrence of seizures. These results were due not only to habituation but also to the early stimulation which has been shown by others to affect emotional reactivity and general arousal level. It is suggested that gerbils might provide an effective model for the study of epilepsy in humans.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract