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Updated: Aug 12, 2025
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A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy
Published on: July 12, 2021
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Augmented impulsive behavior in febrile seizure-induced mice
Chilly Gay Remonde1, Edson Luck Gonzales1, Keremkleroo Jym Adil1
1School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029 Republic of Korea.
Toxicological Research
|February 2, 2023
Summary
Febrile seizures (FS) in mice, particularly recurrent ones, can lead to increased impulsivity and anxiety-like behavior, especially in males. These changes are linked to alterations in serotonin system genes, suggesting potential long-term neurodevelopmental effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Febrile seizures (FS) are common in childhood, affecting 2-5% of young children.
- The long-term neurodevelopmental consequences of FS are not fully understood, with limited laboratory evidence.
- Comparative studies using both male and female animal models for FS effects are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of induced febrile seizures (FS) on the behavioral characteristics of male and female mice.
- To compare the effects of single versus recurrent FS on subsequent behavior.
- To explore potential underlying genetic mechanisms related to impulsivity.
Main Methods:
- Hyperthermic seizures were induced in male and female ICR mice using an infrared heat lamp at specific postnatal days.
- Mice received either a single FS or three FS over a short period.
- Behavioral tests, including elevated plus maze and cliff avoidance, were conducted starting at postnatal day 30.
- Gene expression analysis of impulsivity-related genes was performed on prefrontal cortex tissue.
Main Results:
- FS-induced mice did not exhibit locomotor, motor coordination, repetitive, or depressive-like behaviors.
- FS-induced mice displayed increased impulsive-like behavior, more pronounced in males.
- Recurrent FS led to a higher incidence of impaired cognitive-affective transfer (CAT) and increased impulsivity compared to single FS.
- Dysregulated expression of impulsivity-related genes (e.g., 5-HT1A, tryptophan hydroxylase 2) was observed in FS-induced mice.
Conclusions:
- Male mice show higher susceptibility to behavioral consequences following FS induction than females.
- Recurrent FS increases the risk of subsequent disorders characterized by decreased anxiety and heightened impulsivity.
- The serotonin system is implicated as a potential mechanism underlying increased impulsivity after FS.
