Establishing a Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Epileptic Seizure Model in Mice

Abstract

Source: Shimada, T., et al. Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Kindling Mouse Model. J. Vis. Exp. (2018).

This video demonstrates the process of inducing epilepsy in mice using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injections, a GABA-A receptor antagonist. Repeated intraperitoneal administration of PTZ progressively lowers the seizure threshold by inhibiting chloride ion influx, disrupting inhibitory neurotransmission, and leading to hyperexcitability in neurons that trigger seizures. This process results in kindling and the development of spontaneous seizures, mimicking chronic 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 of Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)

1. Dissolve 2 mg/mL PTZ in sterile 0.9% (w/v) NaCl. Prepare PTZ on the day of use.

2. Injection of PTZ

1. Perform all experiments between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (noon).
2. Measure the animal's body weight.
3. Place the animal in an observation chamber for habituation.
4. During the habituation period (3 min), calcu....

Results

Figure 1: Brief description of the protocol. (A) Schematic illustration of PTZ-mediated kindling. (B) Illustrations of representative animal behaviors for respective seizure scores.

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Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Pentylenetetrazole	Sigma-Aldrich	P6500
Sodium chloride	MANAC	7647-14-5
Mouse	CLEA Japan		C57Bl/6NJcl, postnatal 8 week, male
Syringe (1mL)	Terumo	SS-01T
Needle(27G x 3/4") (0.40 x 19 mm)	Terumo	NN-2719S
Weighing scale	Mettler	PE2000	This item is a discontinued product. Almost equivalent to FX-2000i with FXi-12-JA from A&D company.