What happends when networks break down?

Spindle waves in the thalamus are 1-3 second epochs of synchronized 7-14 Hz oscillations. These spindle waves are mediated through the activation of GABA A receptors on thalamocortical neurons and when these receptors are blocked with application of bicuculline (a GABA A antagonist), the spindle waves are transformed into events that resemble absence-like seizures slowing the oscillation from 6-10 Hz to ~3 Hz. Since the intrinsic harmonics of the thalamocortical cells (3 Hz) matches that of the thalamocortical-nRt loop (also 3 Hz) these bursts become very strong, generating massive synchronized discharges at ~3 Hz.

My research is to use these ferret ‘spindling slices' that resemble absence-like seizures and apply high frequency stimulation to determine the best location, frequency and mechanism of action whereby high frequency stimulation eliminate these absence-like seizures.

Publications

Lee KH, Hitti FL,Shalinsky MH, Kim U, Leiter JC, & Roberts DW.(2005) Abolition of spindle oscillations and 3-Hz absence seizurelike activity in the thalamus by using high-frequency stimulation: potential mechanism of action.J Neurosurg. 103(3):538-45.