Seizure propagation and ATP depletion in the rat stroke model

Cerebral infarction was produced in rats by internal carotid injection of 35 mu plastic microspheres. Electroencephalograms were recorded through the scalp and from the thalamus. Regional concentration of endogenous brain ATP was studied by the histochemical bioluminescent method. Following embolization, a specific pattern of seizure propagation is noted. Spike activity appears first in the contralateral hemisphere, then the contralateral thalamus, infarcted thalamus, and finally the cortex. The results of these present experiments suggest that seizure activity following an evolving focal ischemic injury in the brain appears in the face of lowered ATP content.