Electrically-induced epileptogenesis in rabbit olfactory bulb: electrophysiological plasticity in a simple cortical system.

Sustained seizure activity can be induced in rabbit olfactory bulb by application of brief low-level current via chronically implanted micro-electrodes. Sensitivity to such stimulation is markedly augmented by prior surgical isolation of the ipsilateral or contralateral bulb. The isolated rabbit olfactory bulb apparently possesses an intrinsic system sufficient to acquire and retain altered neuronal excitability of an epileptiform kind. The preparation described here offers promise as a model for further studies of electrophysiological plasticity in a simple cortical system.