Genetic Models of Reflex Epilepsy and SUDEP in Rats and Mice

Reflex seizures are triggered by external stimuli and occur in human epilepsy and many animal models. Human reflex seizures are commonly induced by visual stimuli, and most rodent reflex seizures are triggered by acoustic stimuli, which are termed audiogenic seizures (AGS). Prominent AGS models include DBA/1 and DBA/2 mice and genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPRs), which include GEPR-3s and GEPR-9s, that exhibit differing seizure severities. GEPRs are widely used to study neuronal networks of generalized seizures and anticonvulsant actions on neurons in this network. DBA mice are used in anticonvulsant screening studies and as models of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP preventative studies in DBA mice are investigating drugs that reduce the effect of adenosine or enhance the action of serotonin. Further work in these models is directed toward improved understanding of the neuronal mechanisms of epilepsy and SUDEP and developing better methods of prevention and treatment.