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Seizures following picornavirus infection
Author(s) -
Libbey Jane E.,
Kirkman Nikki J.,
Smith Matthew C.P.,
Tanaka Tomoko,
Wilcox Karen S.,
White H. Steve,
Fujinami Robert S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01535.x
Subject(s) - righting reflex , picornavirus , encephalomyelitis , central nervous system , epilepsy , neuroscience , hippocampus , immunology , medicine , biology , pathology , reflex , genetics , rna , gene
SummaryPurpose : We demonstrate the establishment and characterization of a novel virus infection‐induced seizure model in C57BL/6 mice.Methods: C57BL/6 mice were infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) or mock infected. Mice were followed for seizures, weight change, body temperature, motor function (righting reflex, rotorod) and neurological manifestations (inflammation [perivascular cuffing], pyknotic neurons, transforming growth factor [TGF]‐β expression).Results: C57BL/6 mice are susceptible to seizures induced by TMEV infection. Approximately 50% of C57BL/6 mice develop transient afebrile seizures. Motor function and coordination are impaired in seized mice. Pyramidal neuron pyknosis and TGF‐β expression correlate with seizure activity in the hippocampus.Discussion: The characterization of this model will enable the investigation of viral and immune contributions in the central nervous system to the development of seizure disorders in humans.