Consequences of neonatal seizures in the rat: morphological and behavioral effects

Holmes, GL; Gairsa, JL; Chevassus-Au-Louis, N; Ben-Ari, Y

HERO ID

5381575

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1998

Language

English

PMID

9851428

HERO ID 5381575
In Press No
Year 1998
Title Consequences of neonatal seizures in the rat: morphological and behavioral effects
Authors Holmes, GL; Gairsa, JL; Chevassus-Au-Louis, N; Ben-Ari, Y
Journal Annals of Neurology
Volume 44
Issue 6
Page Numbers 845-857
Abstract Whereas neonatal seizures are a predictor of adverse neurological outcome, there is controversy regarding whether seizures simply reflect an underlying brain injury or can cause damage. We subjected neonatal rats to a series of 25 brief flurothyl-induced seizures. Once mature the rats were compared with control littermates for spatial learning and activity level. Short-term effects of recurrent seizures on hippocampal excitation were assessed by using the intact hippocampus formation preparation and long-term effects by assessing seizure threshold. Brains were analyzed for neuronal loss, sprouting of granule cell axons (mossy fibers), and neurogenesis. Compared with controls, rats subjected to neonatal seizures had impaired learning and decreased activity levels. There were no differences in paired-pulse excitation or inhibition or duration of afterdischarges in the intact hippocampal preparation. However, when studied as adults, rats with recurrent flurothyl seizures had a significantly lower seizure threshold to pentylenetetrazol than controls. Rats with recurrent seizures had greater numbers of dentate granule cells and more newly formed granule cells than the controls. Rats with recurrent seizures also had sprouting of mossy fibers in CA3 and the supragranular region. Recurrent brief seizures during the neonatal period have long-term detrimental effects on behavior, seizure susceptibility, and brain development.
Doi 10.1002/ana.410440602
Pmid 9851428
Wosid WOS:000077382300001
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English