A simple, automated method of seizure detection in mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy.

The lack of preventive and disease modifying therapies for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a major unmet medical need. Search for such therapies utilize mouse models and require detection of seizures in electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. The labor-intensive nature of reviewing EEGs spanning many weeks underscores the need for a method of automated detection. Here we report a simple automated method of detecting seizures in long term EEG recordings from electrodes implanted in the hippocampus in animal models of TLE. We utilize a 2-pronged approach that relies on the increase in power within the gamma band range (20-50hz) during the seizure followed by suppression of activity following the seizure (post-ictal suppression [PIS]). We demonstrate the utility of this method for detecting seizures in hippocampal and amygdala EEG recordings from multiple models of TLE.

Intravenous kainic acid induces status epilepticus and late onset seizures in mice.

We set out to establish a novel model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in a mouse. We sought to induce TLE through the injection of kainic acid (KA) into the tail vein with subsequent development of status epilepticus (SE). Using C57BL/6 mice, we implanted hippocampal EEG recording electrodes before or after injection of KA or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Video and EEG analysis were conducted to evaluate for SE and development of recurrent seizures, the hallmark of TLE. All mice injected with KA developed SE while those who were injected with PBS did not. Of the animals injected with KA monitored for recurrent seizures following SE, 33% developed spontaneous recurrent seizures while those injected with PBS did not. Injection of KA through the tail vein of a mouse reliably and rapidly induces SE which remits spontaneously and leads to the development of TLE in a subset of mice.