Potentiation of mGlu5 receptors with the novel enhancer, VU0360172, reduces spontaneous absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats

► We examined SWDs in symptomatic WAG/Rij rats. ► Reduced expression of mGlu5 receptors in the ventrobasal thalamus. ► Increased expression of mGlu5 receptors in the somatosensory cortex. ► SWDs were not influenced by blockade of mGlu5 receptor. ► mGlu5 receptor potentiation with the novel enhancer, VU0360172 decreased SWDs.