THE CENTRAL MEDIAL NUCLEUS - THALAMIC SITE OF SEIZURE REGULATION

This study demonstrates that the central medial intralaminar nucleus (CeM) controls generalized seizure threshold and expression, and that these functions are under γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic control, with significant differences between receptor subtypes. Injections of the GABAA-agonist piperidine-4-sulfonic acid and the GABAB-agonist (-)baclofen in the CeM markedly facilitated myoclonic and clonic seizures, but had different effects on tonic seizures. These results are best explained by the concept that the CeM is not a site of seizure origin or spread but rather regulates other structures involved in seizures. © 1990.