Evaluation of PTZ-induced Seizures in Different Animal Models
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Keywords:
Epilepsy, Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), Mice, Rat, Hamster, Zebrafish, SeizureAbstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal excitability. The present study investigates the induction and evaluation of seizures using Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) across four animal models: Swiss albino mice, Wistar rats, Golden Syrian hamsters, and zebra fish. PTZ, a GABAA receptor antagonist, was administered intraperitoneally in species-specific doses to trigger seizure activity. Seizure characteristics were recorded using standardized behavioral parameters such as latency period, clonic and tonic seizures, and postictal depression. Zebrafish behavior was assessed using a time-budget scoring system for epileptic responses. Results demonstrated species-specific variations in seizure onset, severity, recovery, and mortality, with hamsters exhibiting the shortest latency of 32.1 ± 18.38 s and the highest variability in seizure phases. Histopathological examination of the mice brain tissue post-seizure revealed normal hippocampal and cortical structures, indicating limited neurodegeneration under the tested conditions. The findings underscore the utility of multiple animal models in seizure research and support the therapeutic potential of herbal and chemical compounds in managing epilepsy.
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