EEG characterization of audiogenic seizures in the hamster strain GASH:Sal

The study was performed to characterize GASH:SAL audiogenic seizures as true epileptic activity based on electroencephalographic markers acquired with a wireless implanted radiotelemetry system. We analyzed cortical EEG patterns synchronized with video recordings of convulsive behavior of the GASH:Sal hamster following an acoustic stimulus. All GASH:Sal presented archetypal motor symptoms comparable to current animal models of generalized tonic-clonic epilepsy. Seizures consisted of an initial bout of wild running, followed by opisthotonus, tonic-clonic convulsions, tonic limb extension, and terminated in postictal depression. EEG patterns correlated with behavior and displayed phase appropriate spike-wave complexes, low-amplitude desynchronized activity, and high frequency large-amplitude peaks. Our results confirm that electroencephalographic profiles of the audiogenic seizures of the hamster GASH:Sal are parallel to EEG patterns of other animal models of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Therefore, this animal may serve as an appropriate model for epilepsy research.