Sounds with harmonic spectra are more effective than pure tones in inducing audiogenic seizure in rats.

Twenty rats of an audiogenic seizure (AGS)-susceptible stock were exposed to four different sound stimuli and seizure severity and seizure-latency were registered. Two sounds with harmonic spectra, one pure tone and band noise were used. The harmonic spectra were found to be significantly (P less than 0.005) more effective than the other stimuli in inducing AGS when seizure-latency was taken as a parameter. Connections from the auditory pathway to the reticular formation seem to be of importance in the triggering of these seizures. AGS-susceptible rats may offer a useful tool for experimental hearing research.