Abstract
The parameters of cortical electrical stimulation (ES) producing synaptically-operated spreading depression (SD) were determined in rats. Waves of SD were regularly triggered in the thalamus by brief, high frequency ES (0.02–0.05 sec; 200–500 Hz) of the parietal cortex. Monitoring by EEG confirmed the lack of accompanying convulsive activity in the cortex and the subcortical structures investigated. Use of Nembutal-induced anesthesia led to a higher minimum threshold for onset of SD, without preventing short-latency thalamid SD. Stimulating the parietal cortex was less effective for synaptic excitation of hippocampal and caudate SD. Hippocampal, unlike thalamic SD, was accompanied by spells of epileptiform activity, most pronounced at certain points in the onset and decline of the SD wave. These brief convulsive episodes were not the cause but the result of SD to a large extent. The low, subconvulsive threshold of synaptically triggered subcortical as well as cortical structures should therefore be taken into account when considering the functional significance of the SD reaction.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.