EFFECT OF CEREBELLAR STIMULATION ON SEIZURES INDUCED WITH ENFLURANE, PENTYLENETETRAZOL, PENICILLIN AND CHLORALOSE IN THE CAT.

In an attempt to further explore I. S. Cooper's apparent success in the treatment of intractable human epilepsy, the authors have investigated four models of epilepsy in 14 cats chronically implanted with cerebellar stimulation electrodes. Stimulus strength was typically kept near threshold levels although up to 15 volts or 12 ma was used in each model. Threshold levels were tested prior to the experiment since the power required to produce EEG activation was animal, as well as, current and frequency dependent. These data, in addition to pathologic findings, would indicate that the cerebellum has a predictable role in the control of convulsive seizures. In the present study, acute cerebellar stimulation did not predictably alter the electroclinical manifestations of four models of experimental epilepsy in the cat. There may be, however, interspecific differences and these models are currently being tested in primates. Finally, the prophylactic and therapeutic value of chronic cerebellar stimulation in primates may be much greater than the negative results obtained with acute cerebellar stimulation would predict.