Onset of audiogenic seizures in rodents after intake of near-toxic doses of rubidium chloride.

Rats and mice that were not genetically or otherwise predisposed toward audiogenic seizures were rendered susceptible to auditory stimuli by chronic treatment with large doses of rubidium chloride (RbCl). Animals given drinking water, 0.03 N with respect to RbCl, for four weeks responded with convulsive seizures when exposed to signals of 2 to 22 kHz and 74 dbA. The rate of development of audiosusceptibility was dose-related. Less rubidium was needed if the diet was deficient in potassium. No differences were found between tissue rubidium in treated rats which became audiosensitive and their counterparts which remained resistant to auditory stimuli.