Time sequence and types of memory deficits after experimental status epilepticus.

P35 rats subjected to kainate induced status epilepticus (SE) subsequently underwent four consecutive series of the Morris Water Maze. They demonstrated, compared with controls, an early (P46-49), and subsequent (P60-63) disturbance in acquisition, but not in long term retention, of spatial memory. They eventually achieved performance levels similar to those of controls (P74-77, P91-94). These data support the hypothesis that acquisition, but not long term retention, of spatial material is impaired in this model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), probably due to the hippocampal injury that occurs after SE.