Does prolonged implantation of depth electrodes predispose the brain to kindling?
Abstract
Chronically implanted depth electrodes are widely used for the study of electrical signals generated in deep cerebral locations and for electrical stimulation of such locations. Although the effects of lesions resulting from electrode implantation are generally considered minimal, some reports have shown lasting neurochemical, histological, and behavioral alterations in response to such implantation. Furthermore, there is some evidence that prolonged electrode implantation may decrease the seizure threshold of the implanted region and increases the rate of kindling from this region. This prompted us to undertake a study on different periods of post-surgical delay to onset of electrical stimulation and subsequent characteristics of kindling development. Rats were implanted with a bipolar electrode in the basolateral amygdala, and the threshold for induction of focal paroxysmal activity (afterdischarge threshold, ADT) was determined after post-surgical recovery periods of either 1, 2, 4, or 8 weeks. The animals were then kindled by daily administration of an electrical stimulus until all rats exhibited fully kindled seizures. In fully kindled rats, the ADT was redetermined. Compared to animals with 1 week of electrode implantatio...Continue Reading
References
Citations
Kindling induces a lasting, regionally selective increase of kynurenic acid in the nucleus accumbens
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Amygdala and Midbrain Dopamine
The midbrain dopamine system is widely studied for its involvement in emotional and motivational behavior. Some of these neurons receive information from the amygdala and project throughout the cortex. When the circuit and transmission of dopamine is disrupted symptoms may present. Here is the latest research on the amygdala and midbrain dopamine.
Amygdala: Sensory Processes
Amygdalae, nuclei clusters located in the temporal lobe of the brain, play a role in memory, emotional responses, and decision-making. Here is the latest research on sensory processes in the amygdala.