Changes in subcortical visual and auditory evoked potentials following amygdaloid kindling in cats

In this study we dealt with the changes in visual and auditory evoked potentials following kindling, to reveal the distant effects of epileptic activity. The experiments were performed using cats. Visual and auditory evoked potentials were obtained initially. Daily stimulation of 60 Hz (rectangular wave, 1 ms in duration, 500 microA in peak current, 2-s train) was given to the right amygdala, for kindling. After the completion of kindling, evoked responses were recorded again. In the auditory system the changes of responses in the cortex, medial geniculate nucleus, and cochlear nucleus were distinguished. The changes of potentials in the subcortex were larger than those at the cortical level. For visual evoked potentials there was a discrepancy between stimulation with light and electrical stimulation of the optic chiasm. There was no significant change in amplitude of visual evoked potentials by flash. In the case of optic chiasm stimulation, an enlargement of evoked responses was obtained. These results indicate modality-specific change of the auditory system and widespread subcortical change. These results might be caused by some vulnerability of the auditory system in the case of amygdaloid kindling, as a result of the epileptogenic process.