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Beta-adrenergic receptor binding in different regions of rat brain after various intensities of electroshock: relationship to postictal EEG.

Relationships among different intensities of electroshock treatment (EST), EEG-recordable primary after discharge (PAD), and beta-adrenergic binding in various brain regions were investigated in adult rats. Different intensities of EST (1-2, 6-8, 20-30 mamp) were applied through ear-clip electrodes for 7 consecutive days. A sigmoidal relationship was observed between the PAD and the applied current-intensity. 3H-dihydroalprenolol (DHA) was used as a ligand to evaluate beta-adrenergic receptor binding in membrane preparation of the following brain regions: Cerebral cortex, cerebellum, pons-medulla, and "midregion"-which consisted of the remainder tissue including thalamus, striatum, and midbrain. A significant decrease (28%) in binding was observed in cortex tissue after EST of 6-8 mamp but no changes were observed after either 1-2 mamp or 20-30 mamp. In "midregion," a significant increase (40%) in binding was observed after EST with the subconvulsive intensity (1-2 mamp) whereas no changes were seen at higher intensities. The results suggest that in cortex, the function relating beta-adrenergic binding to current intensities may not be monotonic. The increase in binding seen in the "midregion" after subconvulsive EST may not be associated with changes related to the clinical efficacy of EST.

Animals↗

Quantitative genetic study of maximal electroshock seizure threshold in mice: evidence for a major seizure susceptibility locus on distal chromosome 1.

We conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping study to dissect the multifactorial nature of maximal electroshock seizure threshold (MEST) in C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/2 (D2) mice. MEST determination involved a standard paradigm in which 8- to 12-week-old mice received one shock per day with a daily incremental increase in electrical current until a maximal seizure (tonic hindlimb extension) was induced. Mean MEST values in parental strains were separated by over five standard deviation units, with D2 mice showing lower values than B6 mice. The distribution of MEST values in B6xD2 F2 intercrossed mice spanned the entire phenotypic range defined by parental strains. Statistical mapping yielded significant evidence for QTLs on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, and 15, which together explained over 60% of the phenotypic variance in the model. The chromosome 1 QTL represents a locus of major effect, accounting for about one-third of the genetic variance. Experiments involving a congenic strain (B6.D2-Mtv7(a)/Ty) enabled more precise mapping of the chromosome 1 QTL and indicate that it lies in the genetic interval between markers D1Mit145 and D1Mit17. These results support the hypothesis that the distal portion of chromosome 1 harbors a gene(s) that has a fundamental role in regulating seizure susceptibility.

Animals↗

Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the anticonvulsive activity of valproate and diphenylhydantoin against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice.

Prostaglandins and their inhibitors may affect convulsive phenomena. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine possible interactions between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and two conventional antiepileptic drugs in terms of their anticonvulsive activity and side-effects. Also, the plasma levels of antiepileptics were measured in order to delineate possible pharmacokinetic interactions. The following non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were studied: acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, metamizole, paracetamol and piroxicam. None of these drugs affected the threshold for electroconvulsions. However, all NSAIDs studied enhanced the protective activity of valproate magnesium against maximal electroshock-induced seizures. Only ibuprofen and piroxicam enhanced the anticonvulsive activity of diphenylhydantoin. Ibuprofen decreased the ED50 value of valproate (for the induction of motor impairment) in the rotorod test, whilst piroxicam reduced the ED50 value of valproate in rotorod and chimney tests. Diphenylhydantoin combined with either ibuprofen or piroxicam did not cause any motor impairment in these tests. The total plasma level of valproate and free plasma level of diphenylhydantoin remained unchanged in the presence of all studied NSAIDs. These data demonstrate that NSAIDs could enhance the protective activity of antiepileptics. However, in case of valproate it may be associated with the severe side effects.

Animals↗

Effect of propranolol and nifedipine on maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice: individually and in combination.

A comparative effect of propranolol and nifedipine administered individually and in combination at graded dose levels; and that of phenytoin at 30 mg kg-1 on maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizure in mice was investigated. Propranolol in doses of 10 mg kg-1 and 20 mg kg-1, and nifedipine in doses of 8 mg kg-1 and 16 mg kg-1 significantly modified MES activity. Propranolol (40 mg kg-1), and a combination of propranolol (20 mg kg-1) and nifedipine (8 mg kg-1), produced antiMES activity, which was comparable to that of phenytoin (30 mg kg-1). In mice treated with propranolol and nifedipine combination, the tonic flexor and tonic extensor phase ratios (F/E ratio) were significantly higher than individual drug responses. Our findings suggest that a combination of propranolol and nifedipine has either synergistic or an additive effect in controlling MES-induced seizures in mice.

Animals↗

Effect of amlodipine upon the protective activity of antiepileptic drugs against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice.

Amlodipine, a calcium channel antagonist of the dihydropyridine class, up to 10 mg kg(-1)(i.p.) did not significantly affect the threshold for electroconvulsions. However, this calcium channel antagonist (10 mg kg(-1)) enhanced the anticonvulsive activity of carbamazepine, valproate and phenobarbital against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice. Furthermore, amlodipine (5 mg kg(-1)) intensified the protection offered by carbamazepine. This effect was associated with the increased free plasma level of carbamazepine in the presence of amlodipine. Amlodipine did not influence the free or total plasma level of phenobarbital and valproate, so a pharmacokinetic interaction is not probable for valproate and phenobarbital. The anticonvulsive action and free plasma level of diphenylhydantoin was not modified by amlodipine. The combined treatment of the calcium channel antagonist and antiepileptics caused motor impairment (evaluated in the chimney test). Long-term memory (assessed in the passive avoidance test) in case of combinations of amlodipine with carbamazepine or diphenylhydantoin was not affected. The combination of amlodipine with valproate or phenobarbital significantly influenced the retention in this test. A possible usefulness of amlodipine as add-on therapy in epileptic patients may be limited by its considerable adverse effect revealed by behavioural tests. The pharmacokinetic interaction between carbamazepine and amlodipine might have some clinical importance for patients treated with these drugs.

Amlodipine↗

Attenuation by electroshock treatment of the haloperidol-induced rise in the binding of 3H-imipramine to rat brain membranes.

Studies were conducted in rats to investigate whether chronic haloperidol treatment, electroshock treatment (EST), or a combination of both affects the high-affinity binding of 3H-imipramine to cerebral membranes. Chronic haloperidol (2 mg/kg SC daily for 28 days) resulted in a significant decrease in the density of binding sites in animals killed 1 h after the last treatment, but binding was markedly enhanced after a "washout" period of 5 days. In animals subjected to EST (20-30 mA, 1.5 s, 60 Hz; three times a week for 4 weeks) and killed 1 h after the last treatment, there were no apparent changes, but when animals were allowed a recovery period of 5 days there appeared to be a slight increase in binding. The marked increase in binding seen after haloperidol withdrawal was no longer apparent in animals treated with both haloperidol and EST, indicating that EST acts to attenuate the increase in binding seen after withdrawal of chronic haloperidol. It is suggested that chronic haloperidol may influence presynaptic recognition sites that regulate serotonin uptake and that EST may interact with haloperidol to "stabilize" these presynaptic sites.

Animals↗

Dopamine and serotonin metabolites in rat cerebroventricular fluid following withdrawal of haloperidol or electroshock treatment.

Levels of the dopamine metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) and of the major serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were determined in the CSF of rats at various times after repeated electroshock treatment (EST) or chronic administration of haloperidol. The acidic metabolites were analyzed in 25 microliter CSF using HPLC with an electrochemical detector. A significant decrease in the CSF levels of DOPAC and HVA was found 4 days after the last administration of chronic haloperidol, EST, or both. The decrease in the level of the dopamine metabolites indicated a slower dopamine turnover, which might have resulted from hypersensitivity of presynaptic dopamine receptors after these treatments. Rats treated with haloperidol also showed an increase in 5-HIAA levels, possibly due to enhanced serotonin turnover. The 5-HIAA increase following haloperidol was prevented by a concurrent administration of EST, suggesting attenuation by EST of the haloperidol-induced enhancement of serotonin turnover.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

Cortical slow potential changes during convulsions induced by maximal electroshock or penicillin focus.

We have described the occurrence in freely moving gerbils of slow potential changes (SPC) in two different models of experimental epilepsy: 1) maximal electroshock and 2) bilateral epileptic foci induced by penicillin. SPC is considered a by-product of epileptiform activity in both models and correlates to the SPC which occurs during spreading depression. In the first model there develops a cortical SPC simultaneous with a depression of EEG activity, although there is no propagation of the wave. We suggest that a non-propagated multifocal depression (MD) occurs in the MES model. In the model of focal epilepsy, all requirements are fulfilled, and the SPC is characterized as the one which occurs during spreading depression propagating with an average velocity of 8 mm/min.

Animals↗

Influence of aminophylline and 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline on the anticonvulsive action of diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital, and valproate against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice.

Aminophylline (theophylline2.ethylenediamine) in the dose of 12.5 mg/kg (i.p.) was ineffective upon all antiepileptic drugs studied and at the higher dose of 25 mg/kg, impaired the anticonvulsant action of phenobarbital and valproate against maximal electroshock in mice. The protection offered by diphenylhydantoin was diminished by aminophylline at 50 mg/kg (0.238 mmol of anhydrous theophylline/kg). In contrast, 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline (a theophylline derivative unable to cross the blood-brain barrier) in the dose of 80 mg/kg (0.238 mmol/kg) did not influence the protective activity of diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital, and valproate. It might be concluded that the aminophylline-induced impairment of the anticonvulsant action of common antiepileptic drugs results from the central effects of this methylxanthine.

Aminophylline↗

Anticonvulsant activity of carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin against maximal electroshock in mice chronically treated with aminophylline.

The anticonvulsant activities of both carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin alone (after a single intraperitoneal administration) or combined with aminophylline were studied against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in male mice. Aminophylline (injected acutely at 50 mg/kg) significantly increased the ED50 values of both antiepileptics. Given for three days, aminophylline (50 mg/kg, twice daily) still impaired the potency of both antiepileptics and after chronic aminophylline administration a further decrease in the protective activity of carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin was found. Specifically, after 14 days of aminophylline treatment, ED50s for carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin were 26 and 19 mg/kg, respectively. These ED50s were significantly elevated compared to values determined after acute aminophylline treatment (21.2 and 14.9 mg/kg, respectively). Plasma levels of both antiepileptics were unaffected by chronic aminophylline which seems to exclude a pharmacokinetic interaction in terms of total plasma levels at least. The present results clearly indicate that the aminophylline-induced impairment of the anticonvulsant activity of carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin is enhanced over time. This may render aminophylline a hazardous drug to epileptic patients who are prescribed this smooth muscle relaxant.

Aminophylline↗

Influence of a potential anti-asthmatic drug, CR 2039, upon the anticonvulsive activity of conventional antiepileptics against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice.

CR 2039 [[4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-N-(4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl]phenylbenza m ide], in doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg i.p., significantly elevated the threshold for electroconvulsions, increasing the CS50 (current strength 50% in mA) values from 6.3 to 7.2, 7.5, and 7.6 mA, respectively. When combined with carbamazepine, diphenylhydantoin, or valproate, CR 2039 (5 and 10 mg/kg) potentiated the anticonvulsive action of these antiepileptics against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions which was reflected by significant decreases in the respective ED50s (in mg/kg). The protective efficacy of phenobarbital was not affected by the phenylbenzamide derivative. The potentiation of the anticonvulsive activity of three antiepileptics was not accompanied by increased adverse effects, evaluated in the chimney test (motor coordination) and passive avoidance task (long-term memory). Finally, CR 2039 (10 mg/kg) did not alter the plasma levels of the antiepileptic drugs studied which speaks against a pharmacokinetic mechanism in the observed results. It is concluded that CR 2039 may prove a safer anti-asthmatic drug for the use in epileptic patients than aminophylline which, either acutely or chronically, considerably impaired the anticonvulsive activity of conventional antiepileptics.

Animals↗

The NMDA antagonist procyclidine, but not ifenprodil, enhances the protective efficacy of common antiepileptics against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice.

Procyclidine (up to 20 mg/kg i.p.) did not influence the electroconvulsive threshold per se, but when given in a dose of 10 mg/kg, it potentiated the protective activity of carbamazepine, diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital and valproate, and in a dose of 20 mg/kg, that of diazepam against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice. Ifenprodil increased the threshold for electroconvulsions when applied at 20 and 40 mg/kg (i.p.), but surprisingly, when combined with all antiepileptics tested, it did not influence their anticonvulsant actions. The chimney test in mice revealed, that application of procyclidine at 10 mg/kg together with phenobarbital and valproate, and procyclidine at 20 mg/kg with diazepam resulted in motor impairment. However, when procyclidine was applied at 10 mg/kg together with carbamazepine or diphenylhydantoin, no motor impairment was noted. The combined treatment of procyclidine (10 mg/kg) with carbamazepine, diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital or valproate, as well as procyclidine (20 mg/kg) with diazepam caused significant worsening of long-term memory. Finally, procyclidine did not alter the total plasma levels of carbamazepine, diazepam, diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital and valproate. It may be concluded that not all agents interfering with NMDA receptor complex-mediated events lead to the potentiation of the anticonvulsant activity of antiepileptic drugs.

Animals↗

The early identification of anticonvulsant activity: role of the maximal electroshock and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol seizure models.

A number of widely different animal seizure models have been employed in the search for new and novel anticonvulsant drugs useful for the treatment of human epilepsy. At present, no single laboratory test will, in itself, establish the presence or absence of anticonvulsant activity or fully predict the clinical potential of a test substance. Of the many available animal models, the maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ) tests still represent the most commonly employed models for the routine screening and identification of new anticonvulsant drugs. This chapter will briefly describe how these two tests are conducted, their limitations and how they have contributed in the past and to the present day anticonvulsant drug discovery process.

Animals↗

Three-dimensional isobolographic analysis of interactions between lamotrigine and clonazepam in maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice.

The anticonvulsant effects of lamotrigine (LTG) and clonazepam (CZP) and combinations thereof against maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures in mice were investigated using three-dimensional (3D) isobolographic analysis. With this method, the doses of fixed-ratio combinations of the drugs (1:3, 1:1 and 3:1) that elicited 16, 50 and 84% of the maximum anticonvulsant effect were determined. Additionally, to evaluate the characteristics of interactions observed with 3D isobolography, the brain concentrations of both drugs were verified pharmacokinetically. The 3D isobolographic analysis showed that LTG and CZP combined at the fixed ratios of 3:1 and 1:1 interacted synergistically in the MES test for all anticonvulsant effects between 16% and 84% of maximum. In contrast, the combination of LTG and CZP at the fixed ratio of 1:3 showed only pure additivity for all estimated effects in 3D isobolography. Moreover, none of the examined antiepileptic drugs altered the brain concentrations of the coadministered drug, so the observed interactions in the MES test are of a pharmacodynamic nature. The 3D isobolographic findings suggest that in epilepsy therapy, increased efficacy of seizure control (synergistic interaction) might be achieved by using LTG and CZP in combination. In this study, some important problems and assumptions related to statistical analysis of data in 3D isobolography are discussed.

Animals↗

Isobolographic analysis of interactions between loreclezole and conventional antiepileptic drugs in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure model.

This study examined the interaction characteristics between loreclezole (LCZ) and various conventional antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin--PHT, carbamazepine--CBZ, valproate--VPA and phenobarbital--PB) in the mouse maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizure model using isobolographic analysis. Drug-related adverse effects were ascertained by use of the chimney test (motor impairment) and the step-through passive avoidance task (learning and retrieval). It was observed that the combination of LCZ with VPA or PB, at the fixed ratio of 1:1, was supra-additive (synergistic) and the combination of LCZ with CBZ, at all fixed ratios tested (1:3, 1:1 and 3:1), was supra-additive against electroconvulsions. The remaining combinations evaluated, i.e., LCZ with PB or VPA at fixed ratios of 1:3 and 3:1, as well as all fixed-ratio combinations between LCZ and PHT, were additive in the MES test in mice. Pharmacokinetic characterization revealed that LCZ significantly increased both free plasma and brain concentrations of CBZ and PHT, but was without effect on PB. Moreover, a bi-directional pharmacokinetic interaction between LCZ and VPA was observed in that while LCZ increased free plasma, but not total brain VPA concentrations, VPA increased the total brain, but not free plasma LCZ concentrations. Adverse-effect testing revealed that for all antiepileptic drug combinations neither motor performance nor long-term memory was altered. Of the drug combinations investigated, only that of LCZ and PB at the fixed ratio of 1:1 was not associated with any pharmacokinetic interactions, and thus it may be concluded that the supra-additive (synergistic) isobolographic interaction was pharmacodynamic in nature. Furthermore, the fact that LCZ and PB have similar mechanisms of action would suggest that drugs with similar mechanisms of action may provide rational polytherapy regimens.

Algorithms↗

Biphasic characteristic of interactions between stiripentol and carbamazepine in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure model: a three-dimensional isobolographic analysis.

The anticonvulsant effects produced by stiripentol (STP), carbamazepine (CBZ), and their combination in the maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures in mice were investigated using three-dimensional (3D) isobolographic analysis. With 3D isobolography, the combinations of both drugs at the fixed-ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 for 16%, 50% and 84% antiseizure effects, respectively, were examined in order to evaluate the preclinical characteristics of the interactions between STP and CBZ. Additionally, to characterize precisely the types of interactions observed in the MES test, free plasma and total brain CBZ concentrations were estimated for all fixed-ratios tested. The 3D isobolographic analysis showed that STP and CBZ combined at the fixed-ratio of 1:3 produced supra-additive (synergistic) interactions in the MES test for the anticonvulsant effects ranging between 16% and 84%. In contrast, the combination of STP with CBZ at the fixed-ratio of 3:1 exerted sub-additive (antagonistic) interactions in 3D isobolography for all antiseizure effects examined in the MES test. Only the combination of STP and CBZ at the fixed-ratio of 1:1 was additive for the investigated effects (16%, 50% and 84%) in 3D isobolography. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of CBZ concentrations revealed that STP increased both free plasma and total brain CBZ concentrations for all fixed-ratio combinations tested (1:3, 1:1 and 3:1). In conclusion, the 3D isobolographic findings suggest that the combination of STP with CBZ exerted biphasic characteristics of interactions in the MES test, despite the pharmacokinetic increase in CBZ content in plasma and brains of experimental animals.

Animals↗

Influence of ethanol on the threshold for electroshock-induced seizures and electrically-evoked hippocampal afterdischarges.

The anticonvulsant activity of ethanol was investigated in two representative models of experimental epilepsy. In the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test in mice, ethanol (0.5-2 g/kg i.p.) dose-dependently raised the electroconvulsive threshold for tonic seizures. In co-medication with valproate and carbamazepine, ethanol significantly increased the anticonvulsant effectiveness of both antiepileptic drugs. Subchronic premedication of ethanol did not reveal marked decrease of its additive anticonvulsant action and only tended to reduce the effectiveness of valproate and carbamazepine. No changes of the plasma levels of both antiepileptics could be detected. Furthermore, in the hippocampal afterdischarge model in rats, ethanol dose-dependently raised the focal stimulation threshold and significantly increased the anticonvulsant efficacy of co-administered carbamazepine after acute application. Subchronic premedication of ethanol tended to reduce the effectiveness of the latter. In conclusion, the present results indicated pronounced anticonvulsant effects of ethanol against generalized tonic-clonic as well as complex partial seizures which did not reveal strong tolerance after subchronic administration.

Animals↗

7-Nitroindazole potentiates the anticonvulsant action of some second-generation antiepileptic drugs in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure model.

The effects of 7-nitroindazole (7NI, a preferential neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) on the anticonvulsant activity of four second-generation antiepileptic drugs (AEDs: felbamate [FBM], lamotrigine [LTG], oxcarbazepine [OXC] and topiramate [TPM]) were studied in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure (MES) model. Moreover, the influence of 7NI on the acute neurotoxic (adverse-effect) profiles of the studied AEDs, with regard to motor coordination, was determined in the chimney test in mice. Results indicate that 7NI (50 mg/kg; i.p.) significantly potentiated the anticonvulsant activity of OXC, but not that of FBM, LTG and TPM against MES-induced seizures and, simultaneously, it enhanced the acute neurotoxic effects of TPM, but not those of FBM, LTG and OXC in the chimney test in mice. 7NI at the lower dose of 25 mg/kg had no effect on the antiseizure activity and acute neurotoxic profiles of all investigated AEDs. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of interactions between 7NI and LTG, OXC and TPM against MES-induced seizures revealed no significant changes in free (non-protein bound) plasma AED concentrations following 7NI administration. Moreover, none of the examined combinations of 7NI with AEDs from the MES test were associated with long-term memory impairment in mice subjected to the step-through passive avoidance task. Based on our preclinical study, it can be concluded that only the combination of 7NI with OXC was beneficial, when considering its both anticonvulsant and acute neurotoxic effects. Moreover, the lack of impairment of long-term memory and no pharmacokinetic interactions in plasma of experimental animals make the combination of 7NI with OXC worthy of consideration for the treatment of patients with refractory epilepsy. The other combinations tested between 7NI and LTG, FBM and TPM were neutral, when considering their both anticonvulsant effects and acute neurotoxic profiles, therefore, no useful recommendation can be made for their clinical application.

Animals↗