Models & Assays
Electrically Induced Acute Seizures
Electrically induced acute seizure tests include maximal electroshock (MES), the chemical convulsant pentylenetetrazol (s.c. PTZ), and the 6Hz model of psychomotor seizure. Similar to pain, epilepsy is a heterogeneous condition which responds differently to drugs. Assessment of an NCE across the MES, PTZ and 6Hz models provides a drug signature and insight as to which seizure type may be treatable. Together these 3 acute tests identify all known AED's, and the MES and PTZ tests are currently recognized as the gold standard early phase screening tests.
Validation Data: Comparison of phenytoin, valproate and levetiracetam against MES, s.c.PTZ and 6Hz-induced seizures in the mouse.
Dose response curves for each drug against each seizure test. Note each drug has a unique profile across these tests, consistent with distinct mechanism of action and clinical profile.