THE EFFECTS OF PARTIAL BILATERAL LESIONING OF SUBSTANTIA NIGRA IN A GENETIC ABSENCE EPILEPSY RAT MODEL

Authors : Zafer GÖREN, Rezzan AKER, Filiz ONAT, Aydan ERGÜN

Pages : 79-85

View : 11 | Download : 10

Publication Date : 2016-12-03

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: `Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg` insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(GAERS);, an inbred Wistar strain, serve as an experimental venue. These rats generate spontaneous spike-and-wave discharges insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SWD); and have increased yaminobutyric acid insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(GABA); levels in the ventrolateral thalamus insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(VLT);. Recently, substantia nigra pars reticulata insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SNpr); was reported to act as an endogeneous inhibitory mechanism in the generation, onset and maintenance of various types of seizures. The presence of tonic control exerted by SNpr in absence seizures should also be tested in GAERS. Methods: In this current study, GABA and Lglutamic acid release in VLT of GAERS with partial bilateral electrolytic lesions of SNpr was evaluated by using microdialysis technique with fluorescent detection. Results: GABA levels in VLT were 0.12±0.04 pM and 0.24±0.08 pM in sham-lesioned and SNprlesioned GAERS, respectively. L-glutamic acid level was found to be 0.415±0.150 pM in shamlesioned group and 0.324±0.094 pM in SNprlesioned GAERS. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between sham-lesioned and SNpr-lesioned rats. The number and the duration of SWD were also similar in two groups. Conclusion: These findings show that SNpr does not exert a tonic control in GAERS and we assume that intact SNpr acts as a site that may exert an inhibition on target structures when activated in GAERS. Key Words: GAERS insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg);, GABA insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(yaminobutyric acid);, Substantia nigra, Ventrolateral thalamus, Absence epilepsy, Microdialysis, Nigral control of epilepsy.
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