Electroencephalographic and biochemical long–lasting abnormalities in animal model of febrile seizure

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular basis of disease 2017-09, Vol.1863 (9), p.2120-2125
• Main Authors: Mohammed, Haitham S., Aboul Ezz, Heba S., Sayed, Heba M., Ali, Maha A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cortex; EEG; Epilepsy; Febrile seizures; Hippocampus; Oxidative stress; Rat
• ISSN: 0925-4439; 1879-260X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.05.024

Febrile seizures (FS) are convulsions associated with high body temperature. It has a high incidence in children from the age of 6months to 5years and may have adverse consequences in adulthood. The experimental model of FS could be induced in animals via hyperthermia. The present study was designed to investigate persistent electroencephalographic (EEG), neurochemical and behavioral alterations in adult animals that had experienced complex FS at their immature age. EEG signals were obtained from the cortex of both FS and control normothermic groups of animals. A spectrophotometric assay was carried out to determine oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione) and acetylcholinesterase activity in the cortex and hippocampus of FS and control animals. Behavioral assessment of seizure threshold and severity were investigated via a sub–convulsive dose of nicotine in adult animals. Alterations in the oxidant/antioxidant system and AChE activity were obtained in the cortex and hippocampus of FS animals in comparison to control animals. EEG spectral analysis displayed significant changes in all EEG frequency bands. A decrease in seizure latency and an increase in seizure severity were also observed. The present study provides evidence for long-lasting abnormalities in the cortex and hippocampus of adult animals subjected to complex FS at their developmental age, which may be correlated to the underlying mechanism of epileptogenesis and its related co–morbidities. •The present study investigated the correlation between early stage complex febrile seizure and adulthood epilepsy in rats.•Electroencephalographic and neurochemical parameters were utilized to assess the proposed correlation•Persistent abnormalities were found in both electrical and chemical aspects of the brain in adults rats.•Behavioral testing provides another evidence for these persistent changes.•The present study considered as first study that related oxidative stress to late consequences of febrile seizures