Epilepsy Model

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most common and debilitating forms of epilepsy, affecting millions of people worldwide. TLE is characterized by recurrent seizures that originate from the temporal lobe of the brain, especially the mesial structures such as the hippocampus, amygdala and...

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Product Introduction

Epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder, is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures. It is one of the most prevalent and serious neurological disorders, affecting approximately 65 million people worldwide. This condition can affect individuals of all ages, with the highest risk observed in infants and older adults.

Epilepsy is defined by the occurrence of two unprovoked seizures more than 24 hours apart, or a single unprovoked seizure with a high risk of recurrence, or a diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome. Seizures are characterized by abnormal synchronous neuronal firing in a specific part of the brain or throughout the entire brain, often due to irregularly formed neural networks or disturbances caused by structural, infectious, or metabolic factors. Seizures are classified as either focal or generalized, depending on how and where the abnormal brain activity begins. The symptoms of seizures can vary widely, including temporary confusion, staring spells, stiff muscles, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness, and psychological symptoms.

Common causes of seizures include genetic factors, brain injuries from encephalitis or meningitis, head trauma, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, it is important to note that in approximately 50%-60% of cases, the cause remains unidentified.

Advantages of NHP Epilepsy Model

Similarities: NHP epilepsy models closely resemble human epilepsy.

Various methods have been used to develop animal models for epilepsy. Rodent temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) models are typically induced through systemic administration of convulsant. However, this approach has a major drawback: it causes extensive bilateral damage beyond the targeted temporal lobe regions and therefore does not accurately resemble TLE in a clinical setting. Direct intracerebral convulsant injection in rodent models cannot overlook the differences between rodents and primates in neuronal connections and the cytoarchitectonics of the limbic system.

In contrast, NHP models provide the closest parallels to the genetic, neurochemical, neurophysiologic, and cytoarchitectonic features of human brains. Epilepsy occurs naturally in NHPs, both spontaneously (presumed genetic) and from symptomatic (structural) causes such as trauma and infection. NHP experimental epilepsy models exhibit pathology, behavior, and electroencephalography (EEG) features similar to those of human acute status epilepticus (SE) and chronic spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs).

Drug Testing: NHP epilepsy models provide more accurate predictions of drug efficacy.

Moreover, NHPs' responses to antiepileptic drugs are more akin to those of humans, offering greater predictive value in new drug development and testing. This enables more accurate studies on drug efficacy, side effects, and pharmacokinetics, reducing uncertainty in drug development.