Early consequences of lithium-pilocarpine convulsive status epilepticus (SE) were studied six days after this status had been induced in rat pups at the age of either 12 or 25 days. Studies of spontaneous EEG activity demonstrated the presence of epileptic phenomena (isolated spikes) in both hippocampus and cortex (cortical spikes were more expressed in the older group). There were no marked behavioral correlates of spikes and transition into the ictal phase was exceptional. The motor performance on a rotorod and a horizontal bar was the same in experimental and control rats of both ages. Behavior in the open field was changed in a reverse manner in the two age groups: the locomotor activity of rats with induced seizures at the age of 12 days was significantly lower than that of their control siblings, whereas animals undergoing status at the age of 25 days were hyperactive. In addition, they also exhibited increased exploratory activity (rearing) and their habituation to the open field was deranged. Nissl-stained brain sections demonstrated extensive brain damage in the older group in contrast to the negative findings in younger animals. EEG, behavioral and morphological changes induced by status epilepticus in developing rats persisted for 6 days after the status. They markedly differed according to the age of animals., L. Suchomelová, H. Kubová, R. Haugvicová, R. Druga, P. Mareš., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Previous behavioural tests indicated that strain recognition and aggregation behaviour could be induced by cuticular hydrocarbons. The aim of this study was to document and to compare cuticular hydrocarbon profiles between different strains of Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) and to relate variations in the general profile of cuticular hydrocarbons with strain discrimination during behavioural tests. Profiles of different strains were remarkably similar qualitatively but presented slight quantitative differences over the 25 identified components. Important differences were observed in dimethylalkane components and these allowed separation of the strains into two groups using multivariate methods. Although we were not able to demonstrate a relationship between strain discrimination ability and differences in cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, we assumed that cuticular hydrocarbons could play two major roles in B. germanica strains. Less variable hydrocarbon profiles could play a role in species recognition and aggregation behaviour and the more variable part could play a role in strain discrimination.
Live neuronal suspensions, prepared from the hippocampal region of donors aged 20 embryonal days, were observed in the Nomarski Differential Interference Contrast. Many neurones displayed profiles, resembling dendrites or axons and both principal hippocampal neurones (pyramidal and granular cells) were identified. For transplantation studies, donors of a younger embryonal age are thus recommended.