Transcranial focal electrical stimulation reduces seizure activity and hippocampal glutamate release during status epilepticus.

Journal: Annual International Conference Of The IEEE Engineering In Medicine And Biology Society. IEEE Engineering In Medicine And Biology Society. Annual International Conference
Published:
Abstract

Previously we demonstrated that noninvasive transcranial focal electrical stimulation (TFS) with sub-effective doses of diazepam reduces status epilepticus (SE)-induced neuronal damage. However, it was unclear if this neuroprotective effect is a consequence of the decrease in the glutamate release. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of TFS on γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate release in the hippocampus during pilocarpine-induced SE. After pilocarpine administration, the rats showed progressive behavioral changes that culminated in SE with a significant increase of GABA and glutamate (95 and 128% respectively), even more evident at the end of the experiment (120 and 182% respectively), 5 hours after pilocarpine injection and was associated with the prevalence of high-voltage rhythmic spikes and increased spectral power in the 4-90 Hz bands. The TFS application during the SE decreased the convulsive expression, the prevalence of high-voltage rhythmic spikes and spectral power in 4-8 Hz and 30-90 Hz bands. These effects were associated with lower release of GABA and glutamate in the hippocampus. These results support the anticonvulsive and neuroprotective effects induced by TFS.

Authors
Cesar Santana Gomez, David Alcantara Gonzalez, Hiram Luna Munguia, Ivette Banuelos Cabrera, Victor Magdaleno Madrigal, Michael Tamayo, Luisa Rocha, Walter Besio
Relevant Conditions

Seizures, Status Epilepticus