Handling-Induced Seizures in a Mouse Model

Take a mouse injected with Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus into the brain cortex.

The virus spreads to the hippocampus, where microglia and astrocytes recognize them and become activated.

The activated cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines, which block inhibitory neurotransmitter binding by triggering the internalization of their receptors while increasing excitatory neurotransmitter release.

The excess excitatory signal induces a continuous influx of positive ions, making neurons hyperexcitable.

To assess seizures due to external physical stimuli, called handling-induced seizures, ensure the absence of spontaneous seizures in the mouse with hyperexcitable neurons.

Slide a pen across the cage to create noise, then transfer the animal to another box and back, inducing stress.

If no seizures occur, provide more intense stress by flipping the mouse by its tail.

Stress triggers stress hormone release, further suppressing inhibitory signals while promoting excitatory signal-induced electrical discharges. This results in synchronized bursts of abnormal neuronal activity called seizures.