Developmental and genetic audiogenic seizure models: behavior and biological substrates

Audiogenic seizure (AGS) models of developmental or genetic origin manifest characteristic indices of generalized seizures such as clonus or tonus in rodents. Studies of seizure-resistant strains in which AGS is induced by intense sound exposure during postnatal development provide models in which other neural abnormalities are not introduced along with AGS susceptibility. A critical feature of all AGS models is the reduction of neural activity in the auditory pathways from deafness during development. The initiation and propagation of AGS activity relies upon hyperexcitability in the auditory system, particularly the inferior colliculus (IC) where bilateral lesions abolish AGS. GABAergic and glutaminergic mechanisms play crucial roles in AGS, as in temporal lobe models of-epilepsy, and participate in AGS modulatory and efferent systems including the superior colliculus, substantia nigra, basal ganglia and structures of the reticular formation. Catecholamine and indolamine systems also influence AGS severity. AGS models are useful for elucidating the underlying mechanisms for formation and expression of generalized epileptic behaviors, and evaluating the efficacy of modern treatment strategies such as anticonvulsant medication and neural grafting. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.