Effects of in utero exposure to valproate or levetiracetam on the seizures and newborn histopathology of genetic absence epilepsy rats.

Valproate (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV), the two broad spectrum antiseizure drugs with antiabsence effects were previously tested for their antiepileptogenic effects when administered in the early postnatal period and revealed possible modification of the epileptogenic process though the effect being not persistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of in utero exposure to these drugs on the absence epilepsy seizures of Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) rats on electroencephalogram (EEG) which are characterised by bilateral, symmetrical, and synchronized spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs). Considering LEV was proposed as a safer drug of choice in pregnancy, its effects on the newborn histopathology of GAERS was also investigated.

Ultrastructural GABA immunogold labeling in the substantia nigra pars reticulata of kindled genetic absence epilepsy rats.

Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) is a well-known animal model of absence epilepsy and they are resistant to electrical kindling stimulations. The present study aimed to examine possible differences in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and synapse counts in the substantia nigra pars reticulata anterior (SNRa) and posterior (SNRp) regions between GAERS and Wistar rats receiving kindling stimulations. Animals in the kindling group either received six stimulations in the amygdala and had grade 2 seizures or they were kindled, having grade five seizures.