Evaluating the role of memory in a rodent model of epilepsy
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2023
Authors
Das, Ritwik
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Neuroscience
Abstract
Epileptogenesis is a complex and not well understood phenomenon. It has been largely
described as pathology occurring because of an imbalance between excitatory and
inhibitory brain networks. Through our experiments we attempted to show that
epileptogenesis could be “hijacking” the brain mechanisms responsible for memory
formation. We began by using an associative experimental design, pairing auditory and
visual cues with electrically kindled evoked seizures to design a rodent model of reflex
seizures. Reflex seizures are a clinical phenomenon characterized by convulsive episodes
induced by specific sensory stimuli or cognitive actions. Our experiment failed to
establish a reflex seizure model in rodents, but interestingly we observed behavior and
electrophysiology similar to fear conditioning, with significant freezing in animals paired
with cues.
Using the same animals, we investigated memory reconsolidation blocking therapies,
which rely upon replaying neuronal activity but instead of strengthening, involved
synapses are weakened. We used rapamycin to weaken neuronal circuitry replayed with
the sensory cues and evoked seizures to weaken epileptic networks. Although this was
aimed as an exploratory study, the drug therapy abolished seizures in two animals,
demonstrating promising results.
Description
Keywords
neuroscience , rodent model of epilepsy , memory formation , epileptogenesis , reflex seizures , memory consolidation , interruption of memory consolidation , neuron seizure