Spontaneous Recurrent Absence Seizure-like Events in Wild-Caught Rats

Is spontaneous high-voltage rhythmic spike discharge in Long Evans rats an absence-like seizure activity?

A distinct high-voltage rhythmic spike (HVRS) discharge characterized by a barrage of negative spikes oscillating at 5-12 Hz was observed in chronically implanted Long Evans rats. Spontaneous HVRS discharges were exhibited in 90% of 40 Long Evans rats and occurred during sudden arrest of ongoing behavior (immobility) with occasional facial/whisker twitching. However, the function of HVRS discha...

Recurrent seizure-like events are associated with coupled astroglial synchronization

Increasing evidence suggest that astrocytes significantly modulate neuronal function at the level of the tripartite synapse both in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The global control of the astrocytic syncytium over neuronal networks, however, is still less recognized. Here we examined astrocytic signaling during epileptiform activity which is generally attributed to large-scal...

Entamoeba histolytica in wild rats caught in London.

Spontaneous seizure electrocortical activity in rats: relation to arousal level.

The relationship between neocortical high voltage spindle activity (HVS) and the level of arousal (state of vigilance) was investigated in imp-DAK rats. Two groups of single records (6 h and 24 h) and one group of repeated ones (6 h daily for three consecutive days) were analysed. Five levels of arousal (states) were distinguished on the basis of hippocampal and neocortical EEG: high arousal (H...

Multiple paternity in wild-caught Drosophila mojavensis.

Female remating frequency and sperm allocation patterns can strongly influence levels of sperm competition and reproductive success in natural populations. In the laboratory, Drosophila mojavensis males transfer very few sperm per copulation and females remate often, suggesting multiple paternity should be common in nature. Here, we examine female sperm loads, incidence of multiple paternity, a...