Enhanced rate of kindling after prolonged electrode implantation into the amygdala of rats

A comparison was made between the rate of amygdaloid kindling in rats which had been implanted with electrodes either 6-8 days or 28-33 days before the start of a series of kindling stimulations. Using both stainless-steel and platinum/iridium electrodes the rate of kindling was significantly reduced after the longer implantation time. Possible mechanisms by which the presence of an electrode in the amygdala may influence the rate of subsequent kindling, and the implications for studies on kindling, are discussed.