The GABA-withdrawal syndrome: a new model of focal epileptogenesis.
A novel model of focal, cortical epilepsy is described. Chronic (6 h to 14 days), localized application of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) into the somatomotor cortex of rats induces, upon withdrawal, the appearance of epileptogenic activity with maximal electrographic expression circumscribed to the infused site. This GABA-withdrawal syndrome (tested for a 100 micrograms/microliter/h dose) lasted from 24 to 168 h (mean values). A significant correlation was found between infusion time and duration of the excitability rebound, with the longer duration corresponding to the shorter infusion time. A distant lesion effect was observed in the thalamic area of cortical projection. The potential use of this neurotransmitter-induced phenomenon in the study of brain plasticity in general, and of epilepsy in particular, is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007478:Iontophoresis; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013997:Time Factors; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid