Feline generalized epilepsy induced by tranexamic acid (AMCA)

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Epilepsy Research

Background:

• Generalized epilepsy in felines can be induced by parenteral doses of sodium penicillin.
• Topical application of epileptogenic agents to the cortex offers a localized method for studying seizure activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of topical tranexamic acid (AMCA) and penicillin on inducing epileptic activities in feline cortex.
• To investigate the role of agent concentration and cortical area in eliciting spike-wave bursts.

Main Methods:

• Acute experiments on 12 cats involving topical cortical application of AMCA and penicillin.
• EEG monitoring to record electrographic manifestations.
• Repetitive stimulation of nucleus centralis medialis (NCM) to assess seizure triggering.
• Chronic experiments on 5 cats using intravenous AMCA and intramuscular penicillin.

Main Results:

• Diffuse application of low concentrations of both AMCA and penicillin induced EEG patterns of spike-wave bursts, mimicking feline generalized epilepsy.
• Increased concentrations led to bilaterally synchronous spikes and poly-spikes, unresponsive to NCM stimulation.
• Cortical area exposed and agent concentration were key factors in eliciting spike-wave bursts.

Conclusions:

• Topical application of AMCA and penicillin can induce generalized epilepsy in cats, similar to parenteral penicillin.
• The findings suggest a novel and controlled method for inducing feline generalized epilepsy in experimental settings.