Experimental chronic epilepsy in rats: a screening method for antiepileptic drugs

Rats were rendered epileptic by subpial injection of an FeCl3 solution. Epileptiform discharges, recorded by chronically implanted extradural electrodes, were evident within 48 h of surgery and persisted for more than 6 months. It is demonstrated that this model is useful for studying new antiepileptic agents since a series of clinically effective drugs (diazepam, clonazepam, Na phenobarbital, primidone, carbamezepine, ethosuximide, diphenylhydantoin, Na valproate, GABOB) show an activity which is does-dependent and within a range satisfactorily related to human dosages.