Intermittent Photic Stimulation in Rabbit Model: A Technique to Induce Epileptic Seizures and Simultaneously Record Multisystem Parameters

For photic stimulation, place a light source with a circular reflector 30 centimeters in front of the rabbit at eye level, with the flash intensity set to the maximum, and place two mirrors on each side of the head, and one mirror behind the rabbit so that the light enters the rabbit's eyes. Attach the light to a controller with an adjustable rate, intensity, and duration.

With the photic stimulator set to 1 Hertz and the flash on, record the response for 30 seconds. Cover the rabbit's eyes with a mask to simulate or cause eye closure and stimulate for another 30 seconds. After recording the eyes-open and eyes-closed response at each frequency, turn off the photic stimulator for 30 seconds and set the controller to the next frequency setting.

After recording for 60 seconds at each frequency from 1 to 25 Hertz in 2 Hertz intervals, decrease the frequency from 60 to 25 Hertz in 5 Hertz increments and record for 30 seconds with the eyes open and 30 seconds with the eyes closed. At the end of the experiment, remove the EEG and ECG leads from the rabbit and return the animals to their home cages for routine care by the husbandry staff.