Continuous intra-amygdalar infusion of GABA in the amygdala kindling model of epilepsy in rat

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effect of continuous intra-amygdalar infusion of GABA in the amygdala kindling model of epilepsy in rat. Methods: An electrode and cannula complex was implanted in adult male Wistar rats, the electrode being targeted to the left basolateral amygdala. The animals were subjected to a standard kindling procedure. Osmotic minipumps filled with either GABA or mannitol were connected to cannulas and allowed to infuse during 7 days. Kindling experiments measuring after-discharge and seizure thresholds, seizure severity and duration, and behavioral toxicity were performed before, during and after the drug infusion period. Results: Both after-discharge and seizure thresholds were significantly increased both during and after GABA infusion with respect to pre-infusion controls, while the group receiving mannitol showed no significant differences. Seizure duration was not affected by GABA infusion. Seizures were either completely blocked or fully developed. Conclusions: Direct continuous GABA infusion within the epileptogenic focus raises the seizure thresholds without affecting the generalized components in the amygdala kindling model of epilepsy.