Kainic Acid-Induced Seizure Model
Objective: To induce convulsive seizure activity in mice using kainic acid administration and assess neurobiological responses including dendritic morphology, cell proliferation, and spatial learning
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Protocol Steps
Kainic acid administration
Administer single intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid to seizure group animals
Note: Only animals displaying continuous convulsive seizure activity were used in subsequent experiments
View evidence from paper
“Seizure animals received a single intraperitoneal application of 30 mg/kg kainic acid (KA, Sigma) in 0.1 M phosphate buffered saline (PBS) on the day before BrdU-injections (Day 0), and only those displaying continuous convulsive seizure activity were used”
BrdU injection protocol
Administer daily BrdU injections to all experimental groups for 7 consecutive days
View evidence from paper
“During the first 7 days of the experiment all animals received one daily injection of BrdU”
Running wheel housing
House runner group animals with running wheels for voluntary activity
Note: 2-3 animals per cage with running wheel
View evidence from paper
“The 'Runner' group was housed with 2–3 animals per cage that was equipped with a running wheel”
Morris water maze training
Conduct spatial learning and memory testing using Morris water maze
Note: Both hidden and cued versions used; protocol devised by Wolfer and Lipp
View evidence from paper
“Animals were subjected to water maze training at days 5 to 8 of the experiment. Six trials of training each maximally lasting for 2 minutes were given each day”