RESUMO
The kindling phenomenon has attracted the attention of neuropsychiatrists in recent years. It is a direct demonstration of neural plasticity, and a model through which the process of epileptogenesis can be studied. Kindling is an experimental model of epilepsy that can be used appropriately to screen for potential anticonvulsant drugs. In this article the literature relevant to the development and technique of kindling, its basic mechanisms and potential theoretical and practical implications for psychiatry are reviewed. The technique used for amygdala kindling in the rat is described in detail, as well as methods on scoring and interpretation of seizure variables. The results of screening for the anticonvulsant properties of betaine, glutamate diethyl ester and cystine ethyl ester in kindled seizures have demonstrated no better effect than saline controls. These results are discussed in the light of methodological problems and recent findings