Pilocarpine Model
Pilocarpine Model - Related Videos
03:50
Systemic Pilocarpine Treatment: Mouse Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
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2023
This video presents the procedure for inducing status epilepticus (SE) in mice by systemic administration of pilocarpine to model temporal lobe epilepsy.
10:08
The Pilocarpine Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and EEG Monitoring Using Radiotelemetry System in Mice
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Cited by 25 •
2018
This manuscript describes a method of inducing status epilepticus by systemic pilocarpine injection and of monitoring spontaneous recurrent seizures in live animals using a wireless telemetry video and electroencephalogram system. This protocol can be utilized for studying the pathophysiologic mechanisms of chronic epilepsy, epileptogenesis, and acute seizures.
13:34
Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice
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Cited by 4 •
2020
This article presents experimental procedures for assessing memory impairments in pilocarpine-induced epileptic mice. This protocol can be used to study the pathophysiologic mechanisms of epilepsy-associated cognitive decline, which is one of the most common comorbidities in epilepsy.
09:10
Murine Salivary Functional Assessment via Pilocarpine Stimulation Following Fractionated Radiation
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Cited by 10 •
2018
We present a detailed approach to performing saliva collection, including murine tracheostomy and the isolation of three major salivary glands.
12:31
In Vivo Modeling of the Morbid Human Genome using Danio rerio
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Cited by 66 •
2013
Here, we present a systematic approach for developing physiologically relevant, sensitive and specific in vivo assays for interpreting variation in human pathology. Transient genetic manipulation via microinjection of WT and mutant human mRNA and morpholino (MO) antisense oligonucleotides harness the tractability of the developing zebrafish embryo to rapidly assay pathogenic mutations, especially, but not exclusively, in the context of human developmental disorders.
FAQs
Pilocarpine acts as an agonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, initiating prolonged status epilepticus in rodents. This sustained seizure state is followed by a latent period and, later, spontaneous recurrent seizures. The sequence allows investigators to examine how an initial seizure-inducing event can be followed by persistent changes associated with epilepsy development.
The latent period separates the initial status epilepticus from the later appearance of spontaneous recurrent seizures. This interval provides a framework for studying epileptogenesis, meaning the process through which epilepsy develops after a seizure-inducing event. It is especially relevant when researchers investigate changes that occur before recurrent seizures become established.
The model commonly includes hippocampal neuronal damage and remodeling of brain networks after the seizure-inducing event. These changes connect seizure activity with structural and circuit-level consequences, allowing researchers to examine mechanisms of neuronal injury and altered brain function. Studying both damage and remodeling provides a broader view than measuring seizure occurrence alone.
In a typical experimental sequence, pilocarpine is used in rodents to trigger prolonged status epilepticus. Investigators then examine the subsequent latent period and determine whether spontaneous recurrent seizures emerge. They can also assess associated hippocampal damage and network remodeling, linking the timing of seizures with biological changes that develop afterward.
Researchers use this model to evaluate antiseizure treatments after establishing the seizure-related sequence and its associated outcomes. Because the system can produce spontaneous recurrent seizures, it supports investigation of whether an intervention affects ongoing seizure activity. It can also be used to study potential strategies intended to prevent epilepsy after an initial seizure-inducing event.
The model provides several complementary outcomes: seizure development and persistence, spontaneous recurrent seizures, hippocampal neuronal damage, and remodeling of brain circuits. Together, these measures support studies of epileptogenesis and seizure-related injury in biology. They also help researchers connect behavioral seizure patterns with changes occurring in neural tissue and network organization.