Brainstem networks: Reticulocortical synchronization

Abstract

The brainstem reticular formation (BRF) is important in generalized tonic-clonic convulsive seizures (GTCS). Audiogenic kindling (AK) in genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPR-9s) induces seizures closely mimicking GTCS. Unkindled GEPR-9 seizure network requires only brainstem nuclei. After AK, the seizure network permanently expands into forebrain, involving N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated cAMP changes in amygdala. For an expanded treatment of this topic see Jasper's Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies, Fourth Edition (Noebels JL, Avoli M, Rogawski MA, Olsen RW, Delgado-Escueta AV, eds) published by Oxford University Press (available on the National Library of Medicine Bookshelf [NCBI] at). © 2010 International League Against Epilepsy.