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Recording and Modulation of Epileptiform Activity in Rodent Brain Slices Coupled to Microelectrode Arrays
Published on: May 15, 2018
Interictal spikes in developing rats cause long-standing cognitive deficits.
Omar I Khan1, Qian Zhao, Forrest Miller
1Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Center at Dartmouth, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire 03756, USA.
Neurobiology of Disease
|May 11, 2010
Summary
Early-life interictal spikes (IIS) in rats, even without seizures, led to lasting learning and memory deficits. Suppressing IIS may be crucial for healthy brain development in children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Epilepsy Research
Background:
- Frequent interictal spikes (IIS) are common in pediatric epileptic encephalopathies.
- IIS are known seizure markers causing temporary cognitive issues.
- The long-term impact of IIS on learning and memory in developing brains remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of early-life interictal spikes without seizures on learning and memory.
- To determine if IIS can cause lasting cognitive impairment in developing brains.
Main Methods:
- Rat pups were exposed to flurothyl to induce IIS without seizures over 10 days.
- Continuous electroencephalographic monitoring was used.
- Adult rats were assessed using the Morris water maze and radial-arm water maze.
- Long-term potentiation (LTP) and hippocampal cell formation were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Rats with early-life IIS showed significant reference memory impairment in both water maze tests.
- Impaired long-term potentiation was observed.
- Hippocampal neurogenesis was reduced, with decreased cell counts but no increased apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Early-life interictal spikes, independent of seizures, can cause persistent spatial cognitive deficits.
- These findings highlight the potential importance of suppressing IIS for optimal brain development.
- Targeting IIS may be as critical as seizure control during critical developmental periods.
