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Convulsions in senescence-accelerated mice (SAM-R/1/Eis)
K Yamazaki1, A Kumazawa, K Ito
1Tusukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan.
Laboratory Animal Science
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Senescence-accelerated mice (SAM) strain SAM-R/1/Eis exhibit spontaneous convulsions, not requiring external stimuli. These findings suggest SAM-R/1/Eis mice are a novel model for studying epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Animal Models
Background:
- Senescence-accelerated mice (SAM) are established models for aging research.
- The SAM-R/1/Eis substrain was initially considered a normal control for SAM-R/1 mice.
- Convulsive episodes were unexpectedly observed in SAM-R/1/Eis mice during routine handling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical signs of spontaneous convulsions in SAM-R/1/Eis mice.
- To investigate potential underlying causes, such as hypoglycemia.
- To determine if SAM-R/1/Eis mice represent a distinct model for convulsive disorders.
Main Methods:
- Observation and documentation of convulsive episodes and associated clinical signs.
- Measurement of plasma glucose and immunoreactive insulin concentrations.
- Comparison of convulsion triggers with known convulsive mouse strains (e.g., AKR).
Main Results:
- Convulsions, including prodrome and grand mal seizures, were observed between 20-25 weeks of age.
- Plasma glucose and insulin levels did not indicate hypoglycemia as a cause.
- Unlike other strains, SAM-R/1/Eis mice convulse without specific external stimuli like "throwing."
- Mild environmental changes, such as cage transfers, appeared to trigger seizures.
Conclusions:
- SAM-R/1/Eis mice display spontaneous convulsive behavior.
- This substrain is not a normal control and differs from the original SAM-R/1 strain.
- SAM-R/1/Eis mice represent a potentially valuable new animal model for studying spontaneous convulsions and epilepsy.