Progressive accumulation of large aggregates of calcium-containing polysaccharides and basophilic debris within specific thalamic nuclei after lithium/pilocarpine-induced seizures.

Between 30 and 50 days after the induction of seizures by a single injection of lithium and pilocarpine, large aggregates of Nissl-staining material appeared; they occupied up to 35% of the thalamic volume. Both histochemical and atomic absorption analyses indicated elevated concentrations of Ca++ (and possibly Mg++) within this substance that was also composed of polysaccharides and nucleic acids. Significant interactions between time since seizure induction and form of the material indicated a progressive accretion of this material from diffusely scattered micrometer granules to large crystalline forms. We suggest this material is composed of endoplasmic reticular debris that is bound by bivalent cations; because the severity of damage exceeds local phagocytic capacity, the material aggregates and then crystallizes. Possible relation to thalamic calcification in neonatal ischemic brains is considered.