Clinical and EEG phenotypes of epilepsy in the baboon (Papio hamadryas spp.).
Spontaneous seizures have been reported in several baboon subspecies housed at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research (SFBR), including Papio hamadryas anubis as well as cynocephalus/anubis and other hybrids. This study classified clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) phenotypes in these subspecies based upon interictal and ictal findings, as well as photosensitivity, by scalp EEG. One hundred baboons underwent 1-h EEG studies with photic stimulation (PS), 49 with previously witnessed seizures and 51 without. The animals were classified according to these electroclinical phenotypes: presence or absence of interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs), seizures and photoparoxysmal or photoconvulsive responses. Effects of age, gender, and species on EEG phenotypes were also examined. Six discrete electroclinical phenotypes were identified. Generalized IEDs of 2-3, 4-6, and/or 6-7Hz were identified in 67 baboons. Epileptic seizures were recorded in 40 animals, including myoclonic and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Thirty-three animals were photosensitive. Although the prevalence of IEDs and seizures were similar in seizure and asymptomatic animals, photosensitivity was more prevalent in the seizure animals (p=0.001). P.h. anubis/cynocephalus hybrids were more likely to be photosensitive than P.h. anubis (p=0.004). The reliable characterization of distinct epileptic phenotypes in this pedigreed colony is critical to the success of future genetic analyses to identify genetic factors underlying their epilepsy.
Division of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78284-7883, USA. Charles.Szabo@uhs-sa.com
C Akos
CA
Szabó
M Michelle
MM
Leland
Koyle
K
Knape
James J
JJ
Elliott
Vicky
V
Haines
Jeff T
JT
Williams
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D048529:Papio hamadryas / Q000502:physiology*; D010641:Phenotype; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D012737:Sex Factors; D013045:Species Specificity