Animal Models of Photosensitivity: Clinical Significance and Windows into Mechanisms

Before the development of experimental murine and rodent models of epilepsy, photosensitivity provided a promising platform for testing antiepileptic therapies. Animal models, particularly the epileptic baboon and domestic fowl were used to evaluate the efficacy of antiepileptic medications. A more recently characterized natural animal model of photosensitivity, namely the Rhodesian Ridgeback, may offer the most easily available platform for this purpose. While the underlying genotypes may differ among the three models, they share underlying mechanisms and networks. This chapter will provide a comprehensive review of these three natural animal models and their contributions to our understanding of photosensitivity. The chapter will also explore how these models may be best utilized in the future and the potential role for experimental knock-in or knockout experimental genetic models of photosensitivity, including zebra fish and the Mediterranean fruit fly.