Kindling model

As Kindling the progressive increase in neuronal responses to more rare and weak stimulation of brain areas is referred to in neurology.

There are two hypotheses: The more locally oriented indicates that the neuronal mechanism is responsible for the kindling is limited to the region of the respective stimulation. The other claims that neuronal changes in the " kindling region" distant areas, contribute to the effect.

In particular, in the study of epilepsy development the kindling concept is discussed: One in severity increasing course of epilepsy suggests the existence of a mechanism of short-lasting neuronal epileptic discharges ( which need not show by a visible seizure itself ) with long -term changes in nerve cells answered that eventually end up in epileptic focus formation and seizures. Here, the neural synaptic plasticity results in a " Epileptisierung " of the brain.

By analogy, ( bipolar disorders, mania depression ) is also used for the development of affective disorders discussed phenomenon of kindling.

• Neurology