Cardiac structural and molecular alterations in rodent models of temporal lobe epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: Cardiac structural and molecular changes are prevalent in people with chronic epilepsy, possibly contributing to an increased risk of premature mortality. However, understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is limited. Here, we investigated the subacute and chronic changes in cardiac structure and ion channel/exchanger expression in different rodent models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Methods: Two models of TLE were used: the kainic acid-induced post-status epilepticus (KASE) model in Wistar rats and the electrical self-sustained status epilepticus (SSSE) model in C57BL/6J mice. Heart tissue was collected at subacute (7 days post-SE) and chronic (12–16 weeks..