To provide a biological substrate for comparisons with simulation results, we have initiated collaboration
with Dr. Cha-Min Tang a physiologist and epileptologist at University of
Maryland School of Medicine. The primary animal model to be utilized is a novel rat model for post-traumatic
epilepsy that Drs C. Tang and S. Thompson had recently developed based on chronic partial deafferentation
(cutting of Schaffer collaterals and temporoammonic afferents to CA1
neurons). A majority of the partially deafferented animals develop seizures that can be triggered by realtively
weak electrical stimulation using depth electrodes and stimulus intensities (100-200 ?A, 0.1 ms pulses for
100-300 ms), a stimulation level that would not produce seizures in control animals. Although not all animals
develop seizures, those that do, reliably have seizures after stimulation. This model of evoked seizures allows for direct,
timed application of interventions (e.g.
stimulation) and observation of influences
on seizure dynamics without requiring
seizure detection devices that would be
necessary with animal models of acquired
spontaneous partial seizures.
Recording of the response to
electrical stimulation in rat model of focal
epilepsy. Zero of vertical scale set to arbitrary level.
Horizontal scale in units of 100 us (10 kHz sampling rate).
