Ovariectomy enhances spike-wave discharges in WAG/Rij rats

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of withdrawal of ovarian hormones on the occurrence of absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats, a well-validated animal model for absence epilepsy.MethodsTwo weeks after electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes were implanted, video-EEG recordings of 16 adult female WAG/Rij rats were made. The rats were then randomly assigned to undergo ovariectomy or sham surgery. One week after surgical procedures, EEG recordings were made for five consecutive days. The EEGs were amplified and filtered between 1 and 100 Hz and digitized at 200 Hz.ResultsIn the ovariectomy group, both duration and the number of spike-wave discharges increased.ConclusionThe present data suggest that ovariectomy enhances the occurrence of spike-wave discharges and absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats.

► We examined the effects of ovariectomy on spike-wave discharges in WAG/Rij rats.
► Sixteen adult WAG/Rij rats were randomly underwent to ovariectomy or sham surgery.
► Spike-wave discharges were enhanced in the ovariectomy group.
► Our results suggest that ovariectomy enhances absence seizures.