The Role of Blood Electrolytes and Lipid Profile in Seizures Occurrence in WAG/Rij Rats

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders associated with uncontrolled electrical activities in the brain. Electrolyte homeostasis is important for brain normal function. Imbalance in electrolytes can cause a seizure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in lipids and electrolytes in absence seizure.
In this study, 10 WAG/Rij and 10 Wistar rats (6-month old) were used. Blood samples were collected from heart under deep anesthesia. Biochemical parameters such as the amounts of cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride were analyzed in the blood serum.
The amount of sodium, potassium, and chloride in WAG/Rij rat’s blood plasma were significantly higher compared to Wistar rats and the amount of calcium in WAG/Rij was significantly lower than Wistar rats. In addition, the values of blood plasma lipids, including cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL in WAG/Rij was lower than Wistar rats.
The results showed the differences in electrolytes and lipids of plasma between WAG/Rij and Wistar rats. Further studies are needed if changes of electrolytes and lipids of plasma may be associated with seizure occurrence in this animal model of absence epilepsy.