Strong olfactory stimulation reduces seizure susceptibility in amygdala-kindled rats.

Abstract

Seizures in human temporal lobe epilepsy are characterized by paroxysmal activity in the limbic system. The primary olfactory or piriform cortex is a central part of the limbic system. Since a relationship between olfactory sensation and limbic seizures has been described, we were interested in the effect of strong olfactory stimulation on the seizure susceptibility of amygdala-kindled rats, a model of human temporal lobe epilepsy. Olfactory stimulation with toluene was able to suppress seizures in most kindled rats after stimulation at 20% above the threshold for eliciting epileptic afterdischarges. Olfactory stimulation with toluene or ammonia increased the threshold by 27 and 25% compared to control conditions. Our data substantiate that olfactory brain regions, such as the piriform cortex, are involved in amygdala-kindled seizures and suggest that strong physiological stimulation of this nucleus interferes with on-going seizure activity in the limbic system. Thus, olfactory stimulation could contribute to anticonvulsant therapy.

• Authors: U Ebert, W Löscher
• Journal: Neuroscience letters (Neurosci Lett) Vol. 287 Issue 3 Pg. 199-202 (Jun 30 2000) ISSN: 0304-3940 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 10863029 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Toluene
• Ammonia

Topics

• Ammonia
• Amygdala (physiopathology)
• Animals
• Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe (physiopathology)
• Female
• Kindling, Neurologic (physiology)
• Odorants
• Olfactory Pathways (physiopathology)
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Seizures (physiopathology)
• Smell (physiology)
• Toluene