Effect of fetal hypoxia on seizure susceptibility in rats.
In the present study, susceptibility to Pentylentetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures was tested in 45 four-wk old rats born to mothers exposed to moderate asphyxia in the last week of pregnancy by breathing N2 99.9% for 6 min in two separate sessions, (Group I--experimental rats) and in 44 rats of the same age, born after a normal pregnancy (Group II--controls). The results showed that the experimental rats, following episodes of asphyxia in intrauterine life, had a higher susceptibility to PTZ-induced seizures than the controls, manifested by earlier onset of convulsions and a higher incidence of fetal epileptic status. This occurred despite normal development and the absence of neurological deficits in the experimental rats in the first 4 wk of extrauterine life.
De Riu
P L
PL
Department of Traumatology, Orthopedy and Occupational Medicine, University of Turin, Italy.
Mameli
P
P
Becciu
A
A
Simula
M E
ME
Mameli
O
O
D000818:Animals; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005311:Fetal Hypoxia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D010433:Pentylenetetrazole; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*
D010433:Pentylenetetrazole