A KINDLING-LIKE JUVENILE ZEBRAFISH MODEL TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC-SEIZURE ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS

Epilepsy is frequently accompanied by cognitive and behavioral disturbances, yet the mechanisms linking recurrent seizures to altered brain function remain poorly understood. While animal models are essential for investigating these complex mechanisms, the zebrafish model, despite its utility for acute seizure studies, still requires further optimization of its chronic epilepsy models. The overall aim of this work is to establish a model for studying how recurrent seizures shape neurobehavioral function. Integrating repeated seizure induction with standardized behavioral assays, for examining how chronic seizures influence cognitive functions such as working memory and also anxiety-like responses.
To mimic progressive seizure susceptibility and evaluate the long-term cognitive outcomes, a kindling-like seizure paradigm was conducted. Zebrafish larvae were exposed to pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), and assessed at 14 and 21 days. Seizure activity was quantified under both spontaneous and light-evoked conditions. Cognitive and anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated using the Novel Tank Test and the Y-maze spontaneous alternation task.
By a controlled system for inducing and tracking chronic, kindling-like seizures, this juvenile zebrafish model supports investigation into the pathways underlying seizure-related cognitive dysfunction and may help future studies evaluating potential therapeutic strategies. This method offers a useful framework for expanding our knowledge of the long-term neurobehavioral effects of chronic seizures.