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Published on: December 15, 2014
Effect of pinealectomy on cortically kindled rats
T Ninchoji1, K Uemura, I Shimoyama
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan.
Epilepsy Research
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Pinealectomy hastened seizure development in rats, indicating the pineal body
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epileptology
Background:
- The pineal body is known to have anticonvulsive properties.
- Pinealectomy, the surgical removal of the pineal gland, has been investigated for its effects on seizure activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pinealectomy on cortical kindling in rats.
- To determine if pinealectomy affects local afterdischarge thresholds and seizure development.
Main Methods:
- Cortical kindling was induced in pinealectomized rats.
- Local afterdischarge thresholds were measured.
- Seizure development was monitored.
Main Results:
- Pinealectomy did not significantly alter local afterdischarge thresholds.
- The process of cortical kindling was accelerated in pinealectomized rats compared to controls.
- Secondary generalization of seizures appeared to be retarded by the pineal body's presence.
Conclusions:
- The anticonvulsive effect of the pineal body is not mediated by a reduction in local afterdischarge thresholds.
- The pineal body likely exerts its anticonvulsive function by inhibiting the spread of seizure activity (secondary generalization).
