Ovariectomy enhances spike-wave discharges in WAG/Rij rats

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of withdrawal of ovarian hormones on the occurrence of absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats, a well-validated animal model for absence epilepsy. Methods: Two weeks after electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes were implanted, video-EEG recordings of 16 adult female WAG/Rij rats were made. The rats were then randomly assigned to undergo ovariectomy or sham surgery. One week after surgical procedures, EEG recordings were made for five consecutive days. The EEGs were amplified and filtered between 1 and 100 Hz and digitized at 200 Hz. Results: In the ovariectomy group, both duration and the number of spike-wave discharges increased. Conclusion: The present data suggest that ovariectomy enhances the occurrence of spike-wave discharges and absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.