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

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2015:2015:6586-9. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2015.7319902.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism*
  • Hippocampus* / drug effects
  • Hippocampus* / metabolism
  • Pilocarpine / adverse effects*
  • Rats
  • Status Epilepticus* / chemically induced
  • Status Epilepticus* / therapy
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism*

Substances

  • Pilocarpine
  • Glutamic Acid
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid