Evaluation of seizure foci and genes in the Lgi1L385R/+ mutant rat

• EEG Lgi1L385R/+ rats showed patterns that corresponded to seizure behavior.
• Neural activity is increased in the lateral temporal lobe, including auditory cortex.
• Microarray analysis identified candidate genes responsible for audiogenic seizures.

Mutations in the leucine-rich, glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) gene have been identified in patients with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy (ADLTE). We previously reported that Lgi1 mutant rats, carrying a missense mutation (L385R) generated by gene-driven N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis, showed generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS) in response to acoustic stimuli. In the present study, we assessed clinically relevant features of Lgi1 heterozygous mutant rats (Lgi1L385R/+) as an animal model of ADLTE. First, to explore the focus of the audiogenic seizures, we performed electroencephalography (EEG) and brain Fos immunohistochemistry in Lgi1L385R/+ and wild type rats. EEG showed unique seizure patterns (e.g., bilateral rhythmic spikes) in Lgi1L385R/+ rats with GTCS. An elevated level of Fos expression indicated greater neural excitability to acoustic stimuli in Lgi1L385R/+ rats, especially in the temporal lobe, thalamus and subthalamic nucleus. Finally, microarray analysis revealed a number of differentially expressed genes that may be involved in epilepsy. These results suggest that Lgi1L385R/+ rats are useful as an animal model of human ADLTE.