Triggering and Monitoring Heat-Induced Seizures in a Transgenic Mouse Model

Abstract

Source: Das, A., et al. A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy. J. Vis. Exp. (2021)

This video demonstrates the procedure to induce heat-induced seizures in a transgenic mouse with epilepsy-related gene mutations by gradually increasing body temperature in a controlled chamber. This protocol is used to study seizure mechanisms and potential therapies for epilepsy.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Preparation for the heat-induced seizure assay

1. Switch on the Power On button on the heat chamber, followed by the Heat On button.
2. Set the temperature of the heat chamber at 50 °C using the keypad on the digital temperature controller.
3. Wait for a minimum of 1 h to preheat the chamber to 50 °C before introducing the first mouse into the chamber. Preheating ensures uniform heating inside the chamber.
....

Results

Figure 1: Mutant mice exhibit heat-induced seizures. (A) The heating protocol for behavioral screening of heat-induced seizures in mice. (B-C) Mean body temperature of mice across time in wild-type (Scn1a+/+ - bla.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Axial fan	Farnam	AF20-200-120-xx10-3.1	Farnam custom products -Axial Fan Heater with Fan
Digital temperature controller	Inkbird	ITC-100RH	Inkbird digital PID temperature controller ITC-100RH with K thermocouple
Mouse rectal temperature probe	ThermoWorks, Braintree Scientific, Inc	RET-3	Mouse rectal temperature probe with thermometer