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Mossy fiber sprouting induced by repeated electroconvulsive shock seizures
Z Gombos1, A Spiller, G A Cottrell
1Bloorview Epilepsy Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Brain Research
|October 28, 1999
Summary
Repeated generalized seizures, induced by electroconvulsive shock (ECS), caused mossy fiber sprouting in rat brains. This finding is relevant to understanding brain changes in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epilepsy Research
- Neuroplasticity
Background:
- Repeated focal seizures (kindling) are known to induce mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampus.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves repeated generalized seizures in human psychiatric patients.
- The effects of generalized seizures on mossy fiber sprouting remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether repeated generalized seizures induce mossy fiber sprouting.
- To examine the impact of electroconvulsive shock (ECS) on hippocampal neuroplasticity.
Main Methods:
- Male Long-Evans rats were administered eight electroconvulsive shock (ECS) seizures over 2.5 weeks.
- Control rats received matched handling without stimulation.
- Brains were analyzed using Timm staining 14 days post-ECS for cell counts and area measures in the hilus and fascia dentata.
Main Results:
- Significant mossy fiber sprouting was observed in the fascia dentata of rats that received ECS.
- No significant cell loss was detected in the hilus of ECS-treated subjects.
- These results indicate a specific neuroplastic response to generalized seizures.
Conclusions:
- Repeated generalized seizures, as induced by ECS, promote mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampus.
- This sprouting occurs without significant neuronal loss in the hilus.
- Findings suggest potential mechanisms underlying brain changes associated with electroconvulsive therapy.