An understanding of mechanisms underlying seizure disorders depends critically on the insights provided by model systems. In particular with the development of cellular, molecular, and genetic investigative tools, there has been an explosion of basic epilepsy research. Models of Seizures and Epilepsy brings together, for the first time in 30 years, an overview of the most widely-used models of seizures and epilepsy. Chapters cover a broad range of experimental approaches (from in vitro to whole animal preparations), a variety of epileptiform phenomenology (including burst discharges and seizures), and suggestions for model characterization and validation, such as electrographic, morphologic, pharmacologic, and behavioral features. Experts in the field provide not only technical reviews of these models but also conceptual critiques – commenting on the strengths and limitations of these models, their relationship to clinical phenomenology, and their value in developing a better understanding and treatments. Models of Seizures and Epilepsy is a valuable, practical reference for investigators who are searching for the most appropriate laboratory models for addressing key questions in the field. It also provides an important background for physicians, fellows, and students, offering insight into the potential for advances in epilepsy research.

· The first comprehensive description of animal models of epilepsy since the early 1970’s

· Comprehensive analysis of “What the models model” to guide the selection of each model, and what specific questions it will answer

· Elegant examples of the use of novel technologies that can be applied in experimental epilepsy research

· World expert opinions on the clinical relevance of each model

Review

Book Description

Contents

۱. What Should Be Modeled?
۲. Single Nerve Cells Acutely Dissociated from Animal and Human Brains for Studies of Epilepsy
۳. Cell Culture Models for Studying Epilepsy
۴. An Overview of In Vitro Seizure Models in Acute and Organotypic Slices
۵. The Use of Brain Slice Cultures for the Study of Epilepsy
۶. Hippocampal Slices: Designing and Interpreting Studies in Epilepsy Research
۷. Thalamic, Thalamocortical and Corticocortical Models of Epilepsy with an Emphasis on Absence Seizures
۸. Studying Epilepsy in the Human Brain In Vitro
۹. In Vitro Isolated Guinea Pig Brain
۱۰. Pharmacologic Models of Generalized Absence Seizures in Rodents
۱۱. Models of Chemically-Induced Acute Seizures
۱۲. Electrical Stimulation-Induced Models of Seizures
۱۳. Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures
۱۴. Alumina Gel Injection Models of Epilepsy in Monkeys
۱۵. Modeling Epilepsy and Seizures in Developing Zebrafish Larvae
۱۶. Transgenic and Gene Replacement Models of Epilepsy: Targeting Ion Channel and Neurotransmission Pathways in Mice
۱۷. Spontaneous Epileptic Mutations in the Mouse
۱۸. Genetic Models of Absence Epilepsy in the Rat
۱۹. Models with Spontaneous Seizures and Developmental Disruption of Genetic Etiology
۲۰. Mammalian Models of Genetic Epilepsy Characterized by Sensory-Evoked Seizures and Generalized Seizure Susceptibility
۲۱. Inherited Epilepsy in Mongolian Gerbils
۲۲. The Cortical Freeze Lesion Model
۲۳. MAM and Other “Lesion” Models of Developmental Epilepsy
۲۴. In Utero Irradiation as a Model of Cortical Dysplasia
۲۵. Modeling Hypoxia-Induced Seizures and Hypoxic Encephalopathy in the Neonatal Period
۲۶. Complex Febrile Seizures—An Experimental Model in Immature Rodents
۲۷. Repetitive Seizures in the Immature Brain
۲۸. The Kindling Phenomenon
۲۹. Kindling Kittens and Cats
۳۰. Electrical Kindling in Developing Rats
۳۱. Chemical Kindling
۳۲. Kindling, Spontaneous Seizures, and the Consequences of Epilepsy: More than a Model
۳۳. Tetanus Toxin Model of Focal Epilepsy
۳۴. Kainate-Induced Status Epilepticus: a Chronic Model of Acquired Epilepsy
۳۵. The Pilocarpine Model of Seizures
۳۶. Status Epilepticus: Electrical Stimulation Models
۳۷. Posttraumatic Epilepsy Induced by Lateral Fluid-Percussion Brain Injury in Rats
۳۸. Chronic Partial Cortical Isolation
۳۹. Head Trauma: Hemorrhage-Iron Deposition
۴۰. Stroke
۴۱. Models Available for Infection-Induced Seizures
۴۲. Brain Tumour and Epilepsy: A New Neurophysiologic and Neuropathologic Ex Vivo In Vitro Model
۴۳. An Animal Model of Rasmussen’s Encephalitis
۴۴. Therapeutic Assays for the Identification and Characterization of Antiepileptic and Antiepileptogenic Drugs
۴۵. Animal Models of Drug-Refractory Epilepsy
۴۶. Monitoring for Seizures in Rodents
۴۷. Imaging Approaches in Small Animal Models
۴۸. Behavioral Characterization of Seizures in Rats
۴۹. Behavioral and Cognitive Testing Procedures in Animal Models of Epilepsy
۵۰. Morphologic Approaches to the Characterization of Epilepsy Models
۵۱. Animal Model Development Based on the Human Epilepsies: Which Causes and Syndromes Should Be Modeled?
۵۲. What Good are Animal Models