In the present report, we evaluated adrenergic mechanisms of generalized spike-wave epileptic discharges (SWDs), which are the encephalographic hallmarks of idiopathic generalized epilepsies. SWDs link to a hyper-synchronization in the thalamocortical neuronal activity. We unclosed some alpha2-adrenergic mechanisms of sedation and provocation of SWDs in rats with spontaneous spike-wave epilepsy (WAG/Rij and Wistar) and in control non-epileptic rats (NEW) of both sexes. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) was a highly selective alpha-2 agonist (0.003–0.049 mg/kg, i.p.). Injections of Dex did not elicit de novo SWDs in non-epileptic rats. Dex can be used to disclose the latent form of spike-wave epilepsy. Subjects with long-lasting SWDs at baseline were at high risk of absence status after activation of alpha2- adrenergic receptors. We create the concept of alpha1- and alpha2-ARs regulation of SWDs via modulation of thalamocortical network activity. Dex induced the specific abnormal state favorable for SWDs—“alpha2 wakefulness”. Dex is regularly used in clinical practice. EEG examination in patients using low doses of Dex might help to diagnose the latent forms of absence epilepsy (or pathology of cortico-thalamo-cortical circuitry).

Laboratory rats have excellent learning abilities and are often used in cognitive neuroscience research. The majority of rat studies are conducted on males, whereas females are usually overlooked. Here, we examined sex differences in behavior and tactile sensitivity in littermates during adulthood (5.8–7.6 months of age). We used a battery of behavioral tests, including the 2% sucrose preference test (positive motivation), a free-choice paradigm (T-maze, neutral situation), and associative fear-avoidance learning (negative motivation, aversive situation). Tactile perception was examined using the von Frey test (aversive situation). In two aversive situations (von Frey test and avoidance learning), females were examined during the diestrus stage of the estrous cycle, and ultrasonic vocalization was recorded in both sexes. It was found that (1) females, but not males, lost their body weight on the first day of the sucrose preference test, suggesting sex differences in their reaction to environmental novelty or in metabolic homeostasis; (2) the tactile threshold in females was lower than in males, and females less frequently emitted aversive ultrasonic calls; (3) in the avoidance learning task, around 26% of males (but no females) were not able to learn and experienced frizzing. Overall, the performance of associative fear-avoidance in males was worse than in females. In general, females demonstrated higher abilities of associative learning and less persistently emitted aversive ultrasonic calls.