Models & Assays

Repeated subconvulsive electrical stimulation of discrete CNS structures (typically amygdala, hippocampus) will lead to induction (kindling) of overt seizures. As such this may model human partial seizures with secondary generalization. Typical endpoints are (a) behavioral assessment of seizure intensity (Racine scale), and (b) electrophysiological assessment of afterdischarge EEG. NCEs may be tested either as a pretreatment to examine a block of an already established kindled seizure, or administered during kindling development to assess antiepileptogenic potential. Today the kindling model is the only chronic model widely used in most AED screening programs¹.