A new rat model of acute seizures induced by tutin

Coriaria Lactone (CL) is a mixture that has been used to establish animal models of epilepsy. In this study, we focused on the epileptogenic action of tutin, a pure chemical component derived from CL. Rats were implanted with a guide cannula for microinjection of tutin into either of the lateral cerebral ventricles. Behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) changes were investigated for at least 2 h after tutin administration. Injected animals presented behavioral seizures: initially, facial and limbic clonus, and subsequently, tonic–clonic seizures that eventually progressed to status epilepticus. Accompanying the behavioral activities, a variety of EEG patterns were recorded. Spike-and-wave complexes occurred continuously at 3 Hz, with a mean amplitude of ∼295 μV. Multiple spikes and slow waves occurred repetitively and became more frequent and intense. The amplitude of this EEG pattern was low (∼85 μV) at onset and gradually increased to ∼200 μV. Spikes (8 Hz, ∼555 μV) and slow waves (3 Hz, ∼670 μV) occurred periodically at the onset of grand mal seizures. Behavioral and EEG changes induced in rats by tutin demonstrated that this is a potent convulsant, by which a new animal model of status epilepticus was established. This acute seizure model is productive and would be optional for investigation of seizures or status epilepticus.