[Pathogenetic factors in experimental photogenic epilepsy]

Male albino rats were used in chronic experiments. The photogenic epilepsy syndrome was induced by local tetanus toxin injection into the lateral geniculate blody (LGB) which caused the formation of a pathologically enhanced excitation. The primary symptoms of photogenic epilepsy resulted from the pathologically enhanced specific sensory excitation in the LGB, and correlated with a significant increase of the evoked potential amplitude in the corresponding visual cortex field. The following progress of the neuropathological syndrome was connected with generalized disturbances of the rhythmic electrical activity of the brain, characterizing the state of increased epileptic sensibility. The experimental results demonstrate an important role of specific and nonspecific factors in the pathogenesis of experimental photogenic epilepsy.