Experimental petit mal-like seizure induced by microinjection of kainic acid into the unilateral mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus.

The mediodorsal nucleus (MD) of the thalamus has reciprocal projections with the frontal cortex and limbic system, and may be involved in absence seizures. Kainic acid was injected into the left MD of Wistar rats, and behavior and electroencephalography were monitored for 24 hours, then continued intermittently for 8 weeks. The rat brains were then examined histologically.