Isolated seizures in rats do not cause neuronal injury

Abstract

Background Previous studies have shown that status epilepticus can lead to neuronal injury. However, the effect of a small number of isolated seizures is uncertain. Methods We used structural MRI and neuropathology to study the effects of isolated seizures induced by KA, ATPA and AMPA in rats. A group of animals received normal saline. After seizure induction, animals were followed for 12 weeks. Results ATPA and KA led to small but significant increases in ADC. There were no changes in T2 signal intensity or hippocampal volume. Blinded pathological examination showed no differences between animals receiving saline or glutamatergic agents. Conclusion Our study suggests that isolated seizures cause minimal neuronal injury in rats.

Quantification and reproducibility assessment of the regional brain T2 relaxation in naïve rats at 7T

“…As a marker of neurotoxicity, this parameter is highly sensitive and easily quantifiable . The analysis of T 2 relaxation both quantitatively as T 2 mapping and qualitatively as T 2 ‐weighting imaging has been applied to some extent in different animal models in the neurotoxicological research . However, there is a gap in the scientific literature addressing the baseline behavior—the stability and reproducibility of T 2 relaxation between animals in different anatomical areas of the brain and over time in longitudinal studies.…”