A genetic, physiological, and biochemical investigation of audiogenic seizures in rats

Two kinds of audiogenic seizures are characteristic of the KM rat strain, selected by Krushinsky and Molodkina in Moscow in the 1940s. This strain is now approximately 100% sound sensitive. Diallel crosses have demonstrated the polygenic nature of this behavior, with most alleles for seizures being recessive. Myoclonic seizures which develop after several sound exposures are a special form of kindling, involving the limbic system. Selection for low and high rates of myoclonic seizures was successful. Several unique, physiological features of the audiogenic seizures in this rat strain are described, as well as data on RNA and protein synthesis inhibition effects on seizure formation.