EEG characterization of audiogenic seizures in the hamster strain GASH:Sal

SummaryThe study was performed to characterize GASH:SAL audiogenic seizures as true epileptic activity based on electroencephalographic markers acquired with a wireless implanted radiotelemetry system. We analyzed cortical EEG patterns synchronized with video recordings of convulsive behavior of the GASH:Sal hamster following an acoustic stimulus. All GASH:Sal presented archetypal motor symptoms comparable to current animal models of generalized tonic–clonic epilepsy. Seizures consisted of an initial bout of wild running, followed by opisthotonus, tonic–clonic convulsions, tonic limb extension, and terminated in postictal depression. EEG patterns correlated with behavior and displayed phase appropriate spike–wave complexes, low-amplitude desynchronized activity, and high frequency large-amplitude peaks. Our results confirm that electroencephalographic profiles of the audiogenic seizures of the hamster GASH:Sal are parallel to EEG patterns of other animal models of generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Therefore, this animal may serve as an appropriate model for epilepsy research.