Post-hypoxic animal model of myoclonus

Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2007 Oct;13(7):377-81. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2007.07.001. Epub 2007 Aug 27.

Abstract

Post-hypoxic myoclonus is a form of myoclonus frequently caused by cardiac arrest. Development of an animal model may facilitate understanding of the condition and its treatments. We describe an animal model of post-hypoxic myoclonus developed in our laboratory through cardiac arrest, initially induced by chemical and later by mechanical obstruction of major cardiac vessels. These animals respond to valproate, clonazepam and 5-hydroxytrytophan reminiscent of its human counterpart. We review their behavioral, pharmacological and neuropathological features. Therapy developed for myoclonus in this model may be helpful for myoclonus from other etiologies such as corticobasal degeneration, Lewy-body disorders, Creutzfeld-Jacob disease, Alzheimer's disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / complications*
  • Hypoxia / drug therapy
  • Myoclonus / etiology*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants