Spontaneous generalized spike-wave discharges in the electrocorticograms of albino rats.

Generalized epileptiform discharges occur spontaneously in the electrocorticograms of some albino laboratory rats. These discharges occur during periods of quiet wakefulness, are composed of 6-10/sec spike-wave complexes, are accompanied by locomotor arrest and often by mild clonic facial movements. The occurrence of these discharges is unrelated to surgical procedures used to create chronic recording preparations. Similar discharges and behavior have been induced in controls by injections of pentylenetetrazol.