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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy
Published on: July 12, 2021
Thyroid hormone influence on the susceptibility of mice to audiogenic seizures
Abstract:
Serum thyroxine levels peak earlier and are significantly higher in audiogenic seizure-susceptible DBA/2J mice than in seizure-resistant C57BL/6J mice during early postnatal life. The seizure susceptibility of DBA/2J mice is suppressed by administration of an antithyroid drug or by radiothyroidectomy, while the seizure susceptibility of C57BL/6J mice is enhanced by treatment with excess thyroxine.
Insights
Thyroid hormone levels influence seizure susceptibility in mice. Higher thyroxine levels correlate with increased seizure risk, while lowering them reduces seizure occurrence in susceptible strains.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Audiogenic seizures are a model for studying epilepsy.
- Thyroid hormones play a critical role in brain development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum thyroxine levels and audiogenic seizure susceptibility in early postnatal mice.
- To determine the effect of modulating thyroid hormone levels on seizure susceptibility in different mouse strains.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of serum thyroxine levels in seizure-susceptible DBA/2J mice and seizure-resistant C57BL/6J mice during early postnatal development.
- Pharmacological and surgical interventions to alter thyroid hormone levels (antithyroid drug, radiothyroidectomy, thyroxine administration).
Main Results:
- DBA/2J mice exhibited higher and earlier peak serum thyroxine levels compared to C57BL/6J mice.
- Antithyroid treatment or radiothyroidectomy decreased seizure susceptibility in DBA/2J mice.
- Thyroxine administration increased seizure susceptibility in C57BL/6J mice.
Conclusions:
- Serum thyroxine levels are a significant factor in early postnatal audiogenic seizure susceptibility.
- Modulating thyroid hormone levels can alter seizure susceptibility in a strain-dependent manner.
