OBJECTIVE:

Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling causes changes related with spatial learning, memory and behavior. However knowledge regarding its effects on emotional learning is unsufficient. This study aims to investigate the emotional learning, behavioral changes and the histological changes in the hippocampus using PTZ-kindling model.

METHODS:

This study employes 34 vvistar albino rats - 24 for the experimental group and 10 for the control group. PTZ-kindling was initiated one week after the implantation of cortical electrodes. The experimental group received 35mg/kg PTZ intraperitoneally (ip) every other day for 38 days, while control group received ip saline in the same period. EEG and video recordings taken for 30 minutes after injection revealed seizures staged as 0-5. Kindling completed behavioral changes were assessed in the open field test, and emotional learning in the elevated T-maze test. The hippocampus was assessed with the method Kluver and Barrera Luxol Fast Blue.

RESULTS:

PTZ-kindling did not affect emotional learning, but caused anxiety. Neuronal loss in the CA3 section and neuronal degeneration in the CA3 and CA1 section of hippocampus were observed.

CONCLUSION:

We concluded that PTZ-kindling causes anxiety-like behaviors while not affecting emotional learning which may have resulted from hippocampal neuronal damages.

Keywords: Levetiracetam, add on treatment, epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs