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Stages of status epilepticus in the developing brain
Mohamad A Mikati1, Suzanne Werner, Lina Shalak
1Adult Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Department of Pediatrics, American University of Beirut, 3 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA. mamikati@aub.edu.lb
Epilepsy Research
|September 2, 2003
Summary
Developing rats show five electrographic stages of status epilepticus (SE). Younger rats (P15) have a lower seizure threshold and are less likely to complete all stages compared to older rats (P35).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Epileptology
Background:
- Adult rats exhibit five distinct electrographic stages during status epilepticus (SE).
- The electrographic progression of SE in developing animals remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the electroencephalogram (EEG) stages of SE in P15 and P35 rats using the kainic acid (KA) model.
- To compare the susceptibility of P15 and P35 rats to developing SE.
- To investigate the effect of phenobarbital on SE stages in these age groups.
Main Methods:
- Rats at postnatal day 15 (P15) and P35 were administered varying doses of KA intraperitoneally.
- EEG was recorded via intracranial electrodes and analyzed blindly to stage SE.
- Phenobarbital's effects were assessed in P35 rats receiving KA.
Main Results:
- Both P15 and P35 rats manifested the five EEG stages of SE, with P15 rats exhibiting these at lower KA doses.
- P15 rats were less likely to progress through all five stages and displayed distinct behavioral patterns.
- Phenobarbital treatment modified SE, initially increasing some behaviors before reducing overall severity and duration.
Conclusions:
- Developing rats (P15 and P35) can exhibit the full spectrum of SE electrographic stages.
- P15 rats demonstrate a lower seizure threshold and incomplete stage progression.
- Phenobarbital alters the electrographic and behavioral manifestations of SE, shortening its duration.