Functional dentate gyrus neurogenesis in a rapid kindling seizure model

Abstract

Neurogenesis in the adult mammalian hippocampus resulting in long-term persistence of new neurons with features of capacity for functional activation is recognized. Many stimuli are capable of increasing the rate of neurogenesis, including seizure activity. Whether these insults result in an increased number of new functionally active neurons over and above the baseline rate of neurogenesis is not known. The rapid electrical amygdala kindling (REAK) model of seizures isolates the effects of seizures alone in the absence of neuronal death and the resulting seizures induce expression of c-Fos in the vast majority of dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to REAK then injec..