title: The genetic audiogenic seizure hamster from Salamanca: The GASH:Sal.
abstract: The hamster has been previously described as a paroxysmal dystonia model, but our strain is currently recognized as a model of audiogenic seizures (AGS). The original first epileptic hamster appeared spontaneously at the University of Valladolid, where it was known as the GPG:Vall line, and was transferred to the University of Salamanca where a new strain was developed, named GASH:Sal. By testing auditory brainstem responses, the GASH:Sal exhibits elevated auditory thresholds that indicate a hearing impairment. Moreover, amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis distinguished genetic differences between the susceptible GASH:Sal hamster strain and the control Syrian hamsters. The GASH:Sal constitutes an experimental model of reflex epilepsy of audiogenic origin derived from an autosomal recessive disorder. Thus, the GASH:Sal exhibits generalized tonic-clonic seizures, characterized by a short latency period after auditory stimulation, followed by wild running, a convulsive phase, and finally stupor, with origin in the brainstem. The seizure profile of the GASH:Sal is similar to those exhibited by other models of inherited AGS susceptibility, which decreases after six months of age, but the proneness across generations is maintained. The GASH:Sal can be considered a reliable model of audiogenic seizures, suitable to investigate current antiepileptic pharmaceutical treatments as well as novel therapeutic drugs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Genetic and Reflex Epilepsies, Audiogenic Seizures and Strains: From Experimental Models to the Clinic".
authors.affiliation: Animal Research Service, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain. Electronic address: lmp@usal.es.
authors.forename: Luis J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Muñoz
authors.affiliation: Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León/IBSAL, C/ Pintor Fernando Gallego, No. 1, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14thTerrace, Room 2-34, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
authors.forename: Melissa M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Carballosa-Gautam
authors.affiliation: Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León/IBSAL, C/ Pintor Fernando Gallego, No. 1, 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
authors.forename: Kira
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yanowsky
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47007, Spain.
authors.forename: Natividad
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: García-Atarés
authors.affiliation: Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León/IBSAL, C/ Pintor Fernando Gallego, No. 1, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Spain.
authors.forename: Dolores E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: López
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054458:Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000503:physiopathology; D006224:Cricetinae; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D020195:Epilepsy, Reflex / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008647:Mesocricetus; D012640:Seizures / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: AFLP; Animal model; Audiogenic epilepsy; Audiogenic seizures