3.2.2 WAG/Rij rats
Created as an animal model for epilepsy in humans, WAG/Rij rats exhibit EEG and behavioral traits similar to absence epilepsy, including the exact mechanisms of action as different Antiseizure medications. They show properties similar to gain-of-function in calcium and sodium channels [39].
The study by KIM YT et al. aimed to investigate whether tottering-6j mice exhibited absence-like seizures. EEG and behavioral data were collected, revealing that tottering-6j mice displayed 5-8 Hz spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs) in the bilateral cortex, accompanied by sudden immobility and staring. The study further explored the effects of Antiseizure Medication on these absence-like seizures in tottering-6j mice. Episodic sodium channel modulator (ESM) by Valproic acid (VPA) significantly inhibited SWD development at 20-40 minutes and 60-80 minutes after administration [40]
Advantages: Tottering-6j mice, a recognized and widely used absence seizure model. The study examines how absence-like seizures are affected by Antiseizure medications (ESM, VPA, and PHT).
Disadvantages: The study needs to detail the underlying mechanisms of how the Cav2.1a1 subunit contributes to absence-like seizures, which is lacking.