Coumarin incorporated triazoles: a new class of anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Bhat, Mashooq A; Al-Omar, Mohammed A

2011-01-01

A series of coumarin incorporated 1,2,4- triazole compounds (1-14) were evaluated for their possible anticonvulsant and neurotoxic properties, log P values, pharmacophoric mapping and three dimensional structure analysis. Compound (6) with para-fluoro substitution showed significant anticonvulsant activity.

Anticonvulsants and thyroid function.

PubMed Central

Yeo, P P; Bates, D; Howe, J G; Ratcliffe, W A; Schardt, C W; Heath, A; Evered, D C

1978-01-01

Serum total and free thyroid hormone concentrations were estimated in 42 patients with epilepsy taking anticonvulsants (phenytoin, phenobarbitone, and carbamazepine either singly or in combination). There was a significant reduction in total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) in the treated group compared with controls. Free hormone concentrations were lower than total hormone concentrations, suggesting that increased clearance of thyroid hormones occurs in patients receiving anticonvulsants. Detailed analysis indicated that phenytoin had a significant depressant effect on TT4, FT4, FT3, and reverse T3 (rT3). Phenobarbitone and carbamazepine had no significant main effects, but there were significant interactions between phenytoin and carbamazepine for TT4 and FT4. phenobarbitone and carbamazepine for FT3, and phenytoin and phenobarbitone for rT3. PMID:656820

Anticonvulsants to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

PubMed

Wang, Hee Ryung; Woo, Young Sup; Bahk, Won-Myong

2014-09-01

We reviewed the existing literature on the efficacy of anticonvulsants in treating post-traumatic stress disorder. We performed a literature search using PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane database on 30 September 2013. Randomized,controlled studies that investigated the efficacy of anticonvulsants for post-traumatic stress disorder were included in this review. Studies with retrospective designs, case reports and case series were excluded. A total of seven studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Three studies used topiramate with negative findings regarding its efficacy. Two studies used divalproex, both of which failed to show superiority over placebo. One study used lamotrigine, with favourable results, and one study used tiagabine, with negative results. Future long-term studies with larger sample sizes are needed to investigate the clinical utility of anticonvulsants for posttraumatic stress disorder treatment.

Potent analgesic effects of anticonvulsants on peripheral thermal nociception in rats

PubMed Central

Todorovic, Slobodan M; Rastogi, A J; Jevtovic-Todorovic, Vesna

2003-01-01

Anticonvulsant agents are commonly used to treat neuropathic pain conditions because of their effects on voltage- and ligand-gated channels in central pain pathways. However, their interaction with ion channels in peripheral pain pathways is poorly understood. Therefore, we studied the potential analgesic effects of commonly used anticonvulsant agents in peripheral nociception. We injected anticonvulsants intradermally into peripheral receptive fields of sensory neurons in the hindpaws of adult rats, and studied pain perception using the model of acute thermal nociception. Commonly used anticonvulsants such as voltage-gated Na+ channel blockers, phenytoin and carbamazepine, and voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockers, gabapentin and ethosuximide, induced dose-dependent analgesia in the injected paw, with ED50 values of 0.30, 0.32 and 8, 410 μg per 100 μl, respectively. Thermal nociceptive responses were not affected in the contralateral, noninjected paws, indicating a lack of systemic effects with doses of anticonvulsants that elicited local analgesia. Hill slope coefficients for the tested anticonvulsants indicate that the dose–response curve was less steep for gabapentin than for phenytoin, carbamazepine and ethosuximide. Our data strongly suggest that cellular targets like voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels, similar to those that mediate the effects of anticonvulsant agents in the CNS, may exist in the peripheral nerve endings of rat sensory neurons. Thus, peripherally applied anticonvulsants that block voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels may be useful analgesics. PMID:12970103

Melatonin potentiates the anticonvulsant action of phenobarbital in neonatal rats.

PubMed

Forcelli, Patrick A; Soper, Colin; Duckles, Anne; Gale, Karen; Kondratyev, Alexei

2013-12-01

Phenobarbital is the most commonly utilized drug for neonatal seizures. However, questions regarding safety and efficacy of this drug make it particularly compelling to identify adjunct therapies that could boost therapeutic benefit. One potential adjunct therapy is melatonin. Melatonin is used clinically in neonatal and pediatric populations, and moreover, it exerts anticonvulsant actions in adult rats. However, it has not been previously evaluated for anticonvulsant effects in neonatal rats. Here, we tested the hypothesis that melatonin would exert anticonvulsant effects, either alone, or in combination with phenobarbital. Postnatal day (P)7 rats were treated with phenobarbital (0-40mg/kg) and/or melatonin (0-80mg/kg) prior to chemoconvulsant challenge with pentylenetetrazole (100mg/kg). We found that melatonin significantly potentiated the anticonvulsant efficacy of phenobarbital, but did not exert anticonvulsant effects on its own. These data provide additional evidence for the further examination of melatonin as an adjunct therapy in neonatal/pediatric epilepsy. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Non-health care facility anticonvulsant medication errors in the United States.

PubMed

DeDonato, Emily A; Spiller, Henry A; Casavant, Marcel J; Chounthirath, Thitphalak; Hodges, Nichole L; Smith, Gary A

2018-06-01

This study provides an epidemiological description of non-health care facility medication errors involving anticonvulsant drugs. A retrospective analysis of National Poison Data System data was conducted on non-health care facility medication errors involving anticonvulsant drugs reported to US Poison Control Centers from 2000 through 2012. During the study period, 108,446 non-health care facility medication errors involving anticonvulsant pharmaceuticals were reported to US Poison Control Centers, averaging 8342 exposures annually. The annual frequency and rate of errors increased significantly over the study period, by 96.6 and 76.7%, respectively. The rate of exposures resulting in health care facility use increased by 83.3% and the rate of exposures resulting in serious medical outcomes increased by 62.3%. In 2012, newer anticonvulsants, including felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, other anticonvulsants (excluding barbiturates), other types of gamma aminobutyric acid, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, and zonisamide, accounted for 67.1% of all exposures. The rate of non-health care facility anticonvulsant medication errors reported to Poison Control Centers increased during 2000-2012, resulting in more frequent health care facility use and serious medical outcomes. Newer anticonvulsants, although often considered safer and more easily tolerated, were responsible for much of this trend and should still be administered with caution.

Anticonvulsants for fibromyalgia.

PubMed

Üçeyler, Nurcan; Sommer, Claudia; Walitt, Brian; Häuser, Winfried

2013-10-16

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a clinically well-defined chronic condition of unknown aetiology characterised by chronic widespread pain that often co-exists with sleep problems and fatigue. People often report high disability levels and poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Drug therapy focuses on reducing key symptoms and disability, and improving HRQoL. Anticonvulsants (antiepileptic drugs) are drugs frequently used for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes. To assess the benefits and harms of anticonvulsants for treating FM symptoms. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Issue 8, 2013), MEDLINE (1966 to August 2013), PsycINFO (1966 to August 2013), SCOPUS (1980 to August 2013) and the reference lists of reviewed articles for published studies and www.clinicaltrials.gov (to August 2013) for unpublished trials. We selected randomised controlled trials of any formulation of anticonvulsants used for the treatment of people with FM of any age. Two review authors independently extracted the data of all included studies and assessed the risks of bias of the studies. We resolved discrepancies by discussion. We included eight studies: five with pregabalin and one study each with gabapentin, lacosamide and levetiracetam. A total of 2480 people were included into anticonvulsants groups and 1099 people in placebo groups. The median therapy phase of the studies was 13 weeks. The amount and quality of evidence were insufficient to draw definite conclusions on the efficacy and safety of gabapentin, lacosamide and levetiracetam in FM. The amount and quality of evidence was sufficient to draw definite conclusions on the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in FM. Therefore, we focused on our interpretation of the evidence for pregabalin due to our greater certainty about its effects and its greater relevance to clinical practice. All pregabalin studies had a low risk of bias. Reporting a 50% or greater reduction in pain was more frequent with

Prophylactic antibiotics and anticonvulsants in neurosurgery.

PubMed

Ratilal, B; Sampaio, C

2011-01-01

The prophylactic administration of antibiotics to prevent infection and the prophylactic administration of anticonvulsants to prevent first seizure episodes are common practice in neurosurgery. If prophylactic medication therapy is not indicated, the patient not only incurs the discomfort and the inconvenience resulting from drug treatment but is also unnecessarily exposed to adverse drug reactions, and incurs extra costs. The main situations in which prophylactic anticonvulsants and antibiotics are used are described and those situations we found controversial in the literature and lack further investigation are identified: anticonvulsants for preventing seizures in patients with chronic subdural hematomas, antiepileptic drugs for preventing seizures in those suffering from brain tumors, antibiotic prophylaxis for preventing meningitis in patients with basilar skull fractures, and antibiotic prophylaxis for the surgical introduction of intracranial ventricular shunts.In the following we present systematic reviews of the literature in accordance with the standard protocol of The Cochrane Collaboration to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of these prophylactic medications in the situations mentioned. Our goal was to efficiently integrate valid information and provide a basis for rational decision-making.

Correlation Between Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and Anticonvulsants

PubMed Central

Dwivedi, Chandradhar; Misra, Radhey S.; Chaudhari, Anshumali; Parmar, Surendra S.

1980-01-01

Monoamine oxidase inhibitory and anticonvulsant properties of 2-substituted styryl-6-bromo-3-(4-ethylbenzoate/4 benzhydrazide)-4-quinazoles are studied. All styryl quinazolone esters except compound number 9 exhibited monoamine oxidase inhibitory properties during oxidative deamination of kynuramine. Corresponding hydrazides were found to have relatively higher activity. All these quinazolones were able to protect against pentylenetetrazol induced seizures. These observations in general do not prove that monoamine oxidase inhibitory properties represent the biochemical basis for the anticonvulsant activity of these compounds. PMID:7420438

Pixe analysis of trace elements in tissues of rats treated with anticonvulsants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurd, R. W.; Van Rinsvelt, H. A.; Kinyua, A. M.; O'Neill, M. P.; Wilder, B. J.; Houdayer, A.; Hinrichsen, P. F.

1987-04-01

Several lines of evidence implicate metals in epilepsy. Anticonvulsant drugs are noted to alter levels of metals in humans and animals. PIXE analysis was used to investigate effects of three anticonvulsant drugs on tissue and brain cortex trace elements. The content of zinc and copper was increased in liver and spleen of rats treated with anticonvulsants while selenium was decreased in cortex.

Cannabidivarin is anticonvulsant in mouse and rat

PubMed Central

Hill, AJ; Mercier, MS; Hill, TDM; Glyn, SE; Jones, NA; Yamasaki, Y; Futamura, T; Duncan, M; Stott, CG; Stephens, GJ; Williams, CM; Whalley, BJ

2012-01-01

Background and Purpose Phytocannabinoids in Cannabis sativa have diverse pharmacological targets extending beyond cannabinoid receptors and several exert notable anticonvulsant effects. For the first time, we investigated the anticonvulsant profile of the phytocannabinoid cannabidivarin (CBDV) in vitro and in in vivo seizure models. Experimental Approach The effect of CBDV (1–100 μM) on epileptiform local field potentials (LFPs) induced in rat hippocampal brain slices by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) application or Mg2+-free conditions was assessed by in vitro multi-electrode array recordings. Additionally, the anticonvulsant profile of CBDV (50–200 mg·kg−1) in vivo was investigated in four rodent seizure models: maximal electroshock (mES) and audiogenic seizures in mice, and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and pilocarpine-induced seizures in rats. The effects of CBDV in combination with commonly used antiepileptic drugs on rat seizures were investigated. Finally, the motor side effect profile of CBDV was investigated using static beam and grip strength assays. Key Results CBDV significantly attenuated status epilepticus-like epileptiform LFPs induced by 4-AP and Mg2+-free conditions. CBDV had significant anticonvulsant effects on the mES (≥100 mg·kg−1), audiogenic (≥50 mg·kg−1) and PTZ-induced seizures (≥100 mg·kg−1). CBDV (200 mg·kg−1) alone had no effect against pilocarpine-induced seizures, but significantly attenuated these seizures when administered with valproate or phenobarbital at this dose. CBDV had no effect on motor function. Conclusions and Implications These results indicate that CBDV is an effective anticonvulsant in a broad range of seizure models. Also it did not significantly affect normal motor function and, therefore, merits further investigation as a novel anti-epileptic in chronic epilepsy models. Linked Articles This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http

[Effect of psychotropic drugs on activity of anticonvulsants in maximal electroshock test].

PubMed

Alikina, N A; Tregubov, A L; Kotegov, V P

2010-08-01

The effect ofpsychotropic drugs on the pharmacological properties of anticonvulsants was studied on white mice under maximal electroshock (ME) test conditions. Changes in the anticonvulsant effect of phenobarbital, diphenin, carbamazepine, hexamidine were traced upon their joint administration with psychotropic drugs, including piracetam, aminalon, amitriptyline, imizine, levomepromazine, and lithium oxybutyrate. An important result of research is the fact, that in no one of combinations the basic pharmacological effect of anticonvulsants was decreased. Based on the results of experiments, the most rational combinations of anticonvulsants with psychotropic preparations were revealed as manifested in the ME test. As criterion of rational combination was the increase in the activity of anticonvulsants and reduction of their toxicity in combination or at least invariance of this parameter. Rational combinations include (i) phenobarbital with piracetam, amitriptyline, levomepromazine, and lithium oxybutyrate; (ii) carbamazepine with piracetam; and (iii) hexamidine with amitriptyline, levomepromazine and imizine.

Acute anticonvulsant effects of capric acid in seizure tests in mice.

PubMed

Wlaź, Piotr; Socała, Katarzyna; Nieoczym, Dorota; Żarnowski, Tomasz; Żarnowska, Iwona; Czuczwar, Stanisław J; Gasior, Maciej

2015-03-03

Capric acid (CA10) is a 10-carbon medium-chain fatty acid abundant in the medium-chain triglyceride ketogenic diet (MCT KD). The purpose of this study was to characterize acute anticonvulsant effects of CA10 across several seizure tests in mice. Anticonvulsant effects of orally (p.o.) administered CA10 were assessed in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold (MEST), 6-Hz seizure threshold, and intravenous pentylenetetrazole (i.v. PTZ) seizure tests in mice. Acute effects of CA10 on motor coordination were assessed in the grip and chimney tests. Plasma and brain concentrations of CA10 were measured. Co-administration studies with CA10 and another abundant medium-chain fatty acid, caprylic acid (CA8) were performed. CA10 showed significant and dose-dependent anticonvulsant properties by increasing seizure thresholds in the 6-Hz and MEST seizure tests; it was ineffective in the i.v. PTZ seizure test. At higher doses than those effective in the 6-Hz and MEST seizure tests, CA10 impaired motor performance in the grip and chimney tests. An enhanced anticonvulsant response in the 6-Hz seizure test was produced when CA8 and CA10 were co-administered. An acute p.o. administration of CA10 resulted in dose-proportional increases in its plasma and brain concentrations. CA10 exerted acute anticonvulsant effects at doses that produce plasma exposures comparable to those reported in epileptic patients on the MCT KD. An enhanced anticonvulsant effect is observed when CA10 and the other main constituent of the MCT KD, CA8, were co-administered. Thus, acute anticonvulsant properties of CA10 and CA8 may influence the overall clinical efficacy of the MCT KD. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Anticonvulsants for preventing seizures in patients with chronic subdural haematoma.

PubMed

Ratilal, Bernardo O; Pappamikail, Lia; Costa, João; Sampaio, Cristina

2013-06-06

Anticonvulsant therapy is sometimes used prophylactically in patients with chronic subdural haematoma, although the benefit is unclear. To assess the effects of prophylactic anticonvulsants in patients with chronic subdural haematoma, in both the pre- and post-operative periods. We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group's Specialised Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (OvidSP), EMBASE (OvidSP), PubMed, LILACS, and the databases clinicaltrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Current Controlled Trials. The search was through 27th March 2013. Randomised controlled trials comparing any anticonvulsant versus placebo or no intervention. Three authors screened the search results to identify relevant studies. No studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. No randomised controlled trials were identified. No formal recommendations can be made about the use of prophylactic anticonvulsants in patients with chronic subdural haematoma based on the literature currently available. There are no randomised controlled trials on this topic, and non-controlled studies have conflicting results. There is an urgent need for well-designed randomised controlled trials.

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome to lamotrigine confirmed by lymphocyte stimulation in vitro.

PubMed

Karande, Sunil; Gogtay, Nithya J; Kanchan, Sandeep; Kshirsagar, Nilima A

2006-02-01

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) developing to lamotrigine, a non-aromatic anticonvulsant, has rarely been reported. We present a two-year-old boy with refractory epilepsy on valproic acid and lamotrigine therapy who developed fever and a maculopapular itchy rash. Blood investigations detected lymphocytosis and thrombocytopenia. With a presumptive diagnosis of AHS, lamotrigine was discontinued. The fever and rash resolved over the next three days and the child was discharged on valproic acid and clobazam. The diagnosis was confirmed by in vitro lymphocyte toxicity assay, which not only demonstrated increased cell death following exposure to lamotrigine, but also to the three first-line aromatic anticonvulsants: phenytoin, phenobarbital and carbamazepine. The potential of first-line aromatic anticonvulsants to cause AHS should be remembered in a patient who has developed AHS on exposure to lamotrigine. Timely recognition of this rare but potentially fatal drug reaction is important.

Staged anticonvulsant screening for chronic epilepsy.

PubMed

Berdichevsky, Yevgeny; Saponjian, Yero; Park, Kyung-Il; Roach, Bonnie; Pouliot, Wendy; Lu, Kimberly; Swiercz, Waldemar; Dudek, F Edward; Staley, Kevin J

2016-12-01

Current anticonvulsant screening programs are based on seizures evoked in normal animals. One-third of epileptic patients do not respond to the anticonvulsants discovered with these models. We evaluated a tiered program based on chronic epilepsy and spontaneous seizures, with compounds advancing from high-throughput in vitro models to low-throughput in vivo models. Epileptogenesis in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures was quantified by lactate production and lactate dehydrogenase release into culture media as rapid assays for seizure-like activity and cell death, respectively. Compounds that reduced these biochemical measures were retested with in vitro electrophysiological confirmation (i.e., second stage). The third stage involved crossover testing in the kainate model of chronic epilepsy, with blinded analysis of spontaneous seizures after continuous electrographic recordings. We screened 407 compound-concentration combinations. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, celecoxib, had no effect on seizures evoked in normal brain tissue but demonstrated robust antiseizure activity in all tested models of chronic epilepsy. The use of organotypic hippocampal cultures, where epileptogenesis occurs on a compressed time scale, and where seizure-like activity and seizure-induced cell death can be easily quantified with biomarker assays, allowed us to circumvent the throughput limitations of in vivo chronic epilepsy models. Ability to rapidly screen compounds in a chronic model of epilepsy allowed us to find an anticonvulsant that would be missed by screening in acute models.

Small Molecule Anticonvulsant Agents with Potent In Vitro Neuroprotection

PubMed Central

Smith, Garry R.; Zhang, Yan; Du, Yanming; Kondaveeti, Sandeep K.; Zdilla, Michael J.; Reitz, Allen B.

2012-01-01

Severe seizure activity is associated with recurring cycles of excitotoxicity and oxidative stress that result in progressive neuronal damage and death. Intervention to halt these pathological processes is a compelling disease-modifying strategy for the treatment of seizure disorders. In the present study, a core small molecule with anticonvulsant activity has been structurally optimized for neuroprotection. Phenotypic screening of rat hippocampal cultures with nutrient medium depleted of antioxidants was utilized as a disease model. Increased cell death and decreased neuronal viability produced by acute treatment with glutamate or hydrogen peroxide were prevented by our novel molecules. The neuroprotection associated with this chemical series has marked structure activity relationships that focus on modification of the benzylic position of a 2-phenyl-2-hydroxyethyl sulfamide core structure. Complete separation between anticonvulsant activity and neuroprotective action was dependent on substitution at the benzylic carbon. Chiral selectivity was evident in that the S-enantiomer of the benzylic hydroxy group had neither neuroprotective nor anticonvulsant activity, while the R-enantiomer of the lead compound had full neuroprotective action at ≤40 nM and antiseizure activity in three animal models. These studies indicate that potent, multifunctional neuroprotective anticonvulsants are feasible within a single molecular entity. PMID:22535312

Anticonvulsant Efficacy in Sturge-Weber Syndrome

PubMed Central

Kaplan, Emma H.; Kossoff, Eric H.; Bachur, Catherine D.; Gholston, Milton; Hahn, Jihoon; Widlus, Matthew; Comi, Anne M.

2016-01-01

OBJECTIVE We analyzed individuals with epilepsy due to Sturge-Weber syndrome to determine which anticonvulsants provided optimal seizure control and which resulted in the fewest side effects. METHODS One-hundred-eight records from a single center were retrospectively analyzed for Sturge-Weber syndrome brain involvement, epilepsy, Sturge-Weber syndrome neuroscores, and currently used anticonvulsants. RESULTS Of the fourteen anticonvulsants that had been employed, the most often used agents were oxcarbazepine or carbamazepine, and levetiracetam. Individuals whose seizures at the most recent visit were fully controlled (seizure-free) for 6 months or longer were more likely to have ever tried, or currently used, oxcarbazepine or carbamazepine than those with uncontrolled seizures. Thirty-nine of 69 individuals (56.5%) were seizure-free with oxcarbazepine or carbamazepine history versus 11 of 35 individuals (31.4%) who had not taken these agents (P < 0.05); 38 of 62 patients (61.3%) were seizure-free while currently taking these anticonvulsants versus 12 of 42 (28.6%) not taking them (P < 0.01). Patients with seizure control for 6 months or longer were less likely to have ever tried, or to currently be taking, levetiracetam than those without control. Sixteen of 56 individuals (28.6%) were seizure-free with levetiracetam history versus 34 of 48 (70.8%) without it (P < 0.001); 14 of 43 individuals (32.6%) were seizure-free and currently taking levetiracetam versus 36 of 61 (59.0%) not taking it (P < 0.01). When topiramate was added as second-line medication, five of nine patients (55.6%) experienced decreased seizure severity, and worsening of glaucoma was not reported. CONCLUSIONS Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine were associated with better seizure control than levetiracetam in this Sturge-Weber syndrome cohort and so may be preferred as the initial therapy. When used as adjunctive therapy, topiramate was effective in this limited analysis without a clear increased

Design and Synthesis of Novel Phenylpiperazine Derivatives as Potential Anticonvulsant Agents.

PubMed

Habib, Monica M W; Abdelfattah, Mohamed A O; Abadi, Ashraf H

2015-12-01

Eighteen new 5-benzylidene-3-(4-arylpiperazin-1-ylmethyl)-2-thioxo-imidazolidin-4-ones were designed as hybrid structures from previously reported anticonvulsant compounds, synthesized and tested for anticonvulsant activity. Initial anticonvulsant screening was performed using the strychnine (2 mg/kg IP) potent generalized-induced seizure and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (60 mg/kg IP) acute clonic-induced convulsion screens in mice. All the molecules were found to be effective in at least one seizure model, compounds 10, 13, 15, 17, and 18 were active against both types of seizures induced. Compound 13 turned out to be the most active candidate within the strychnine model, having an average survival time of 6 min close to that of the positive control phenytoin, while compound 8 showed 100% protection from the induced PTZ seizures, resembling the protection of the positive control phenobarbital. Initial SAR studies for anticonvulsant activity are discussed. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Sulforaphane is anticonvulsant and improves mitochondrial function.

PubMed

Carrasco-Pozo, Catalina; Tan, Kah Ni; Borges, Karin

2015-12-01

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway (Nrf2) has been previously identified to protect the brain against various impacts. Here, we investigated the effect of the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane in various seizure models and hippocampal mitochondrial bioenergetics. We found that daily injections of sulforaphane for 5 days elevated the seizure thresholds to 6 Hz stimulation and fluorothyl-, but not pentylenetetrazole-induced tonic seizures and protected mice against pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE). Also, sulforaphane increased the antioxidant defences within hippocampal formations and blood plasma. In addition, sulforaphane treatment reduced the extent of hippocampal lipid peroxidation 24 h post-SE and protected hippocampal mitochondria against SE-induced reduction in state 2 and uncoupler-stimulated state 3 respiration. SE-mediated partial loss of rotenone-sensitive and complex II-driven respiration was reduced, consistent with the enhanced activities of complexes I and II in sulforaphane-treated SE mice. In mitochondria isolated from both no SE and SE mice, sulforaphane increased state 3 respiration and respiration linked to ATP synthesis, which may contribute to its anticonvulsant and antioxidant effects by providing more ATP for cellular vital and protective functions. However, sulforaphane did not prevent SE-induced hippocampal cell death. In conclusion, sulforaphane and/or Nrf2 activation are viable anticonvulsant strategies, which are antioxidant and enhance mitochondrial function, especially the ability to produce ATP. Sulforaphane was anticonvulsant in two acute mouse models of epilepsy and protected mice against pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE). We also found antioxidant effects of sulforaphane in mouse plasma and hippocampal formations, exhibited by increased catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as well as increased abilities of hippocampal mitochondria to produce ATP. These effects likely underlie

[Ketamine--anticonvulsive and proconvulsive actions].

PubMed

Kugler, J; Doenicke, A

1994-11-01

Animal experimentation has revealed that ketamine has anticonvulsive properties. Changes in the EEG have also been reported in animals; these have been designated non-convulsive generalized electrographic seizures because of their similarities to epileptiform potentials, even though there are no recognizable signs of seizures. The cataleptic condition of the cats in which these changes were observed led to the conclusion that ketamine could cause petit mal seizures, which took the course of petit mal status. Ketamine was therefore also seen as a dangerous anaesthetic agent predisposing to convulsions, the use of which could lead to status epilepticus and irreversible brain damage. These conflicts of opinion should be resolved, as they are based on various misconceptions. (1) The terminology used for epilepsy by specialized clinicians is not always correctly applied in the context of animal experimentation. (2) The activation of epileptiform potentials in the EEG of animals cannot be interpreted as a reliable sign of epileptogenic efficiency in humans. (3) Too little regard is paid to the different actions of anaesthetic agents in various sites of the brain, at different doses and with different routes of administration. (4) The statistical significance and biological relevance of the study results are inadequate because the numbers of observations are too small. Epileptologists regret the insufficiency of animal models as paradigma for the study of efficiency of antiepileptic drugs in humans. The degree by which extensor spasms in the front paw of Gerbils of rats induced by pentylentetrazol or electric current are reduced after application of an anticonvulsive drug is no reliable measure of its anticonvulsive effect in humans.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Simultaneous determination of three anticonvulsants using hydrophilic interaction LC-MS.

PubMed

Oertel, Reinhard; Arenz, Norman; Pietsch, Jörg; Kirch, Wilhelm

2009-01-01

A specific and automated method was developed to quantify the anticonvulsants gabapentin, pregabalin and vigabatrin simultaneously in human serum. Samples were prepared with a protein precipitation. The hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) with a mobile phase gradient was used to divide off ions of the matrix and for separation of the analytes. Four different HILIC-columns and two different column temperatures were tested. The Tosoh-Amid column gave the best results: single small peaks. The anticonvulsants were detected in the multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM) with ESI-MS-MS. Using a volume of 100 microL biological sample the lowest point of the standard curve, i.e. the lower LOQs were 312 ng/mL. The described HILIC-MS-MS method is suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring and for clinical and pharmcokinetical investigations of the anticonvulsives.

[Congenital malformations in the offspring of epileptic mothers with and without anticonvulsant treatment].

PubMed

Arteaga-Vázquez, Jazmín; Luna-Muñoz, Leonora; Mutchinick, Osvaldo M

2012-01-01

To determine the prevalence at birth and type of congenital malformations (CM) in newborns of epileptic mothers (NEM) treated and not treated with anticonvulsants, the correlation anticonvulsant/CM and other developmental disorders. Multicenter case-control study, in 166 live births NEM diagnosed in 21 501 newborns with CM and respective controls from the Registro y Vigilancia Epidemiológica de Malformaciones Congénitas (RYVEMCE). The frequency of CM in NEM treated with anticonvulsants was higher (48.3%) than in NEM of untreated mothers (28.3%), (OR= 2.37 IC95% 1.08-5.40), p=0.03. CMs most frequently found were: spina bifida, limb reduction defects, cleft lip palate, microcephaly, anotia/microtia, hypospadias, polydactyly, cleft palate, anophthalmia/ microphthalmia and omphalocele. No differences among monotherapy and polytherapy were observed. Diphenyl-hydantoin, carbamazepine and valproic acid were the most frequently anticonvulsants used. Our results show the teratogenicity of epilepsy by itself, the synergistic effect of some anticonvulsants, and the need of an appropriate periconceptional control of the disease and treatment.

Epilepsy, Mental Retardation, and Anticonvulsant Therapy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaufman, Kenneth Roland; Katz-Garris, Lynda

1979-01-01

Inappropriate or inadequately documented medication for patients in mental retardation institutions is a major medical and economic problem. Within a 127-patient ward, 41 patients were treated with anticonvulsants. Of these patients, 24 had no documented indications for usage. (Author)

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy following resective epilepsy surgery in two patients withdrawn from anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Mansouri, Alireza; Alhadid, Kenda; Valiante, Taufik A

2015-09-01

We report sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) following resective epilepsy surgery in two patients who had been documented as seizure free. One patient had been weaned off of anticonvulsants and was leading a normal life. The other patient had discontinued only one anticonvulsant but had recently started working night shifts. Following resective epilepsy surgery, one of the major objectives among patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team is to safely wean patients off anticonvulsant medications. The main concern regarding anticonvulsant withdrawal is seizure recurrence. While SUDEP following surgical resection has been reported, to our knowledge, there have been no confirmed cases in patients who have been seizure free. Considering the patients reported here, and given that there are no concrete guidelines for the safe withdrawal of anticonvulsants following epilepsy surgery, the discontinuation of anticonvulsants should be considered carefully and must be accompanied by close monitoring and counseling of patients regarding activities that lower seizure threshold, even after successful epilepsy surgery. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nantenine alkaloid presents anticonvulsant effect on two classical animal models.

PubMed

Ribeiro, R A; Leite, J R

2003-01-01

The present study investigated the anticonvulsant and convulsant profiles of nantenine, an aporphine alkaloid found in several vegetal species. At lower doses (20-50 mg/kg, i.p.) the alkaloid proved to be effective in inhibiting pentylenotetrazol- (PTZ 100 mg/kg, s.c.) and maximal electroshock-induced seizures (80 mA, 50 pulses/s, 0.2 s), suggesting its potential as an anticonvulsant drug. However, at higher doses (> or = 75 mg/kg, i.p.) a convulsant activity was observed. Comparing the present in vivo nantenine effects on seizures with previous in vitro biphasic action on Na+, K+-ATPase activity, the convulsant effect appears to be related to inhibition of these phosphatase at high doses whereas anticonvulsant effect, observed at low doses, seems attributable to its stimulation and the resultant decrease of Ca2+-influx into the cell.

Role of nitric oxide in additive anticonvulsant effects of agmatine and morphine.

PubMed

Payandemehr, Borna; Rahimian, Reza; Bahremand, Arash; Ebrahimi, Ali; Saadat, Seyedehpariya; Moghaddas, Peiman; Fadakar, Kaveh; Derakhshanian, Hoda; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2013-06-13

The anticonvulsant effects of agmatine, an endogenous polyamine and a metabolite of l-arginine, have been shown in various experimental seizure models. Agmatine also potentiates the anti-seizure activity of morphine. The present study aimed to investigate a possible involvement of nitric oxide (NO) pathway in the protection by agmatine and morphine co-administration against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) -induced seizure in male mice. To this end, the thresholds for the clonic seizures induced by the intravenous administration of PTZ, a GABA antagonist, were assessed. Intraperitoneal administration of morphine at lower dose (1mg/kg) increased the seizure threshold. Also intraperitoneal administration of agmatine (5 and 10mg/kg) increased the seizure threshold significantly. Combination of subeffective doses of morphine and agmatine led to potent anticonvulsant effects. Non-effective doses of morphine (0.1 and 0.5mg/kg) were able to induce anticonvulsant effects in mice pretreated with agmatine (3mg/kg). Concomitant administration of either the non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME (1, 5mg/kg, i.p.) or the selective NOS inhibitor 7-NI (15, 30mg/kg, i.p.), with an ineffective combination of morphine (0.1mg/kg) plus agmatine (1mg/kg) produced significant anticonvulsant impacts. Moreover, the NO precursor, l-arginine (30, 60mg/kg, i.p.), inhibited the anticonvulsant action of agmatine (3mg/kg) plus morphine (0.5mg/kg) co-administration. Our results indicate that pretreatment of animals with agmatine enhances the anticonvulsant effects of morphine via a mechanism which may involve the NO pathway. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between consistent purchase of anticonvulsants or lithium and suicide risk: a longitudinal cohort study from Denmark, 1995-2001.

PubMed

Smith, Eric G; Søndergård, Lars; Lopez, Ana Garcia; Andersen, Per Kragh; Kessing, Lars Vedel

2009-10-01

Prior studies suggest anticonvulsants purchasers may be at greater risk of suicide than lithium purchasers. Longitudinal, retrospective cohort study of all individuals in Denmark purchasing anticonvulsants (valproic acid, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine or lamotrigine) (n=9952) or lithium (n=6693) from 1995-2001 who also purchased antipsychotics at least once (to select out nonpsychiatric anticonvulsant use). Poisson regression of suicides by medication purchased (anticonvulsants or lithium) was conducted, controlling for age, sex, and calendar year. Confounding by indication was addressed by restricting the comparison to individuals prescribed the same medication: individuals with minimal medication exposure (e.g., who purchased only a single prescription of anticonvulsants) were compared to those individuals with more consistent medication exposure (i.e., purchasing > or = 6 prescriptions of anticonvulsants). Demographics and frequency of anticonvulsant, lithium, or antipsychotic use were similar between lithium and anticonvulsant purchasers. Among patients who also purchased antipsychotic at least once during the study period, purchasing anticonvulsants more consistently (> or = 6 prescriptions) was associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of suicide (RR=0.22, 95% CI=0.11-0.42, p<0.0001), similar to patients consistently purchasing lithium (RR=0.27, 95% CI=0.12-0.62, p=0.006). Absolute suicide risks of consistent anticonvulsant and consistent lithium purchasers were similar. Lack of information about diagnoses and potential confounders, as well as other covariates that may differ between minimal and consistent medication purchasers, are limitations to this study. In this longitudinal study of anticonvulsant purchasers likely to have psychiatric disorders, consistent anticonvulsant treatment was associated with decreased risk of completed suicide.

A Review of the Effect of Anticonvulsant Medications on Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk

PubMed Central

Lee, Richard H.; Lyles, Kenneth W.; Colón-Emeric, Cathleen

2011-01-01

Background Osteoporosis and seizure disorders are common diagnoses in older adults and often occur concomitantly. Objective The goal of this review was to discuss the current hypothesis for the pathogenesis of anticonvulsant-induced bone density loss and the evidence regarding the risk for osteoporosis and fractures in older individuals. Methods A review of the literature was performed, searching in MEDLINE and CINAHL for articles published between 1990 and October 2009 with the following search terms: anticonvulsant OR antiepileptic; AND osteoporosis OR bone density OR fracture OR absorptiometry, photon. Studies within the pediatric population, cross-sectional studies, and studies whose results were published in a language other than English were excluded. Results A search of the published literature yielded >300 results, of which 24 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in this review. Hepatic enzyme induction by certain anticonvulsant medications appears to contribute to increased metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to inactive metabolites, which results in metabolic bone disease. There is increasing evidence that anticonvulsant use is associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis and clinical fractures, especially among older agents such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproate. Several observational studies suggest a class effect among anticonvulsant agents, associated with clinically significant reductions in bone mineral density and fracture risk. The use of anticonvulsant medications increases the odds of fracture by 1.2 to 2.4 times. However, only 2 large-scale observational studies have specifically examined the risk among those aged >65 years. This review also identified a randomized controlled trial whose results suggest that supplementation with high-dose vitamin D may be associated with increased bone mineral density in patients taking anticonvulsant medications. However, no randomized controlled trials

The efficacy and safety of newer anticonvulsants in patients with dementia.

PubMed

Dolder, Christian R; Nealy, Kimberly L

2012-08-01

Anticonvulsants are a class of medications that have received considerable interest as possible treatments in patients with behavioural disturbances in dementia. The role of these medications for such a use remains controversial. The current paper reviews the published evidence surrounding the safety and efficacy (i.e. as a behavioural and cognitive treatment) of newer anticonvulsants in patients with dementia. A MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, PsycINFO and clinicaltrials.gov search through to December 2011 was conducted for anticonvulsants that have received regulatory approval since 1996. Studies reporting behavioural or cognitive outcomes in patients with dementia were included. Nine trials involving only four medications met selection criteria and were included: levetiracetam (n = 4), oxcarbazepine (n = 1), topiramate (n = 2) and zonisamide (n = 2). Levetiracetam may have a role in the treatment of behavioural symptoms in dementia but study limitations substantially hinder the strength of such a recommendation. Oxcarbazepine and topiramate, based on limited data, do not appear to be effective treatments of behavioural symptoms in dementia. A lack of trials do not allow for conclusions to be made regarding zonisamide. From a cognitive standpoint, levetiracetam was the anticonvulsant most examined in patients with dementia, it appears to have less deleterious effects than some anticonvulsants. Limited data are available on the safety of these medications in elderly patients; however, studies completed thus far have demonstrated some adverse events that are more common or problematic with the use of these drugs in this patient population (i.e. somnolence, dizziness, hyponatraemia, weight loss).

Amino acid neurotransmitters and new approaches to anticonvulsant drug action.

PubMed

Meldrum, B

1984-01-01

Amino acids provide the most universal and important inhibitory (gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine) and excitatory (glutamate, aspartate, cysteic acid, cysteine sulphinic acid) neurotransmitters in the brain. An anticonvulsant action may be produced (1) by enhancing inhibitory (GABAergic) processes, and (2) by diminishing excitatory transmission. Possible pharmacological mechanisms for enhancing GABA-mediated inhibition include (1) GABA agonist action, (2) GABA prodrugs, (3) drugs facilitating GABA release from terminals, (4) inhibition of GABA-transaminase, (5) allosteric enhancement of the efficacy of GABA at the receptor complex, (6) direction action on the chloride ionophore, and (7) inhibition of GABA reuptake. Examples of these approaches include the use of irreversible GABA-transaminase inhibitors, such as gamma-vinyl GABA, and the development of anticonvulsant beta-carbolines that interact with the "benzodiazepine receptor." Pharmacological mechanisms for diminishing excitatory transmission include (1) enzyme inhibitors that decrease the maximal rate of synthesis of glutamate or aspartate, (2) drugs that decrease the synaptic release of glutamate or aspartate, and (3) drugs that block the post-synaptic action of excitatory amino acids. Compounds that selectively antagonise excitation due to dicarboxylic amino acids have recently been developed. Those that selectively block excitation produced by N-methyl-D-aspartate (and aspartate) have proved to be potent anticonvulsants in many animal models of epilepsy. This provides a novel approach to the design of anticonvulsant drugs.

Characterization of chemical ingredients and anticonvulsant activity of American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora).

PubMed

Zhang, Zhizhen; Lian, Xiao-yuan; Li, Shiyou; Stringer, Janet L

2009-05-01

American skullcap (the aerial part of Scutellaria lateriflora L.) has been traditionally used by Native Americans and Europeans as a nerve tonic, sedative, and anticonvulsant. However, despite some previous studies, the quality and safety, the bioactive ingredients, and the pharmacological properties of American skullcap are not fully understood. The aims of this study were to characterize the chemical ingredients of American skullcap and to evaluate its anticonvulsant activity. Twelve phenolic compounds including 10 flavonoids and two phenylethanoid glycosides were isolated and identified from American skullcap and used as marker compounds. An HPLC analytic method for analyzing these marker compounds in commercial American skullcap products from different sources was established and validated. The anticonvulsant activity of American skullcap was determined in rat models of acute seizures induced by pilocarpine and pentylenetetrazol. The results from this study indicate that (1) phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, are the predominant constituents in American skullcap; (2) American skullcap products have similar constituents, but the content and relative proportions of the individual constituents varies widely; and (3) American skullcap has anticonvulsant activity in rodent models of acute seizures.

Anticonvulsant effect of Persea americana Mill (Lauraceae) (Avocado) leaf aqueous extract in mice.

PubMed

Ojewole, John A O; Amabeoku, George J

2006-08-01

Various morphological parts of Persea americana Mill (Lauraceae) (avocado) are widely used in African traditional medicines for the treatment, management and/or control of a variety of human ailments, including childhood convulsions and epilepsy. This study examined the anticonvulsant effect of the plant's leaf aqueous extract (PAE, 50-800 mg/kg i.p.) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-, picrotoxin (PCT)- and bicuculline (BCL)-induced seizures in mice. Phenobarbitone and diazepam were used as reference anticonvulsant drugs for comparison. Like the reference anticonvulsant agents used, Persea americana leaf aqueous extract (PAE, 100-800 mg/kg i.p.) significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) delayed the onset of, and antagonized, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. The plant's leaf extract (PAE, 100-800 mg/kg i.p.) also profoundly antagonized picrotoxin (PCT)-induced seizures, but only weakly antagonized bicuculline (BCL)-induced seizures. Although the data obtained in the present study do not provide conclusive evidence, it would appear that 'avocado' leaf aqueous extract (PAE) produces its anticonvulsant effect by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission and/or action in the brain. The findings of this study indicate that Persea americana leaf aqueous extract possesses an anticonvulsant property, and thus lends pharmacological credence to the suggested ethnomedical uses of the plant in the management of childhood convulsions and epilepsy.

Tridecanoin is anticonvulsant, antioxidant, and improves mitochondrial function

PubMed Central

Tan, Kah Ni; Carrasco-Pozo, Catalina; McDonald, Tanya S; Puchowicz, Michelle

2016-01-01

The hypothesis that chronic feeding of the triglycerides of octanoate (trioctanoin) and decanoate (tridecanoin) in “a regular non-ketogenic diet” is anticonvulsant was tested and possible mechanisms of actions were subsequently investigated. Chronic feeding of 35E% of calories from tridecanoin, but not trioctanoin, was reproducibly anticonvulsant in two acute CD1 mouse seizure models. The levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate in plasma and brain were not significantly increased by either treatment relative to control diet. The respective decanoate and octanoate levels are 76 µM and 33 µM in plasma and 1.17 and 2.88 nmol/g in brain. Tridecanoin treatment did not alter the maximal activities of several glycolytic enzymes, suggesting that there is no reduction in glycolysis contributing to anticonvulsant effects. In cultured astrocytes, 200 µM of octanoic and decanoic acids increased basal respiration and ATP turnover, suggesting that both medium chain fatty acids are used as fuel. Only decanoic acid increased mitochondrial proton leak which may reduce oxidative stress. In mitochondria isolated from hippocampal formations, tridecanoin increased respiration linked to ATP synthesis, indicating that mitochondrial metabolic functions are improved. In addition, tridecanoin increased the plasma antioxidant capacity and hippocampal mRNA levels of heme oxygenase 1, and FoxO1. PMID:27418037

The efficacy of anticonvulsants on orofacial pain: a systematic review.

PubMed

Martin, Wilhelmus J J M; Forouzanfar, Tymour

2011-05-01

Controversy exists about the effectiveness of anticonvulsants for the management of orofacial pain disorders. To ascertain appropriate therapies, a systematic review was conducted of existing randomized controlled trials. Trials were identified from PubMed, Cochrane, and Ovid Medline databases from 1962 through March 2010, from references in retrieved reports, and from references in review articles. Eight useful trials were identified for this review. Six studies were randomized placebo-controlled trials and 2 studies were randomized active-controlled. Two independent investigators reviewed these articles by using a 15-item checklist. Four studies were classified as "high quality." However, heterogeneity of the trials and the small sample sizes precluded the drawing of firm conclusions about the efficacy of the interventions studied on orofacial pain patients. There is limited to moderate evidence supporting the efficacy of commonly used anticonvulsants for treatment of patients with orofacial pain disorders. More randomized controlled trials are needed on the efficacy of anticonvulsants. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Dextromethorphan Analogs: Receptor Binding and Pharmacological Profile of Novel Anticonvulsant/Neuroprotectant Drugs

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-13

AD-POO8 801 Dextromethorphan Analogs: Receptor Binding and Pharmacological Profile of Novel Anticonvulsant/Neuroprotective Drugs F.C. Tortella, L...Baltimore, MD 21224 CD ABSTRACT A series of 3-substituted 17-methylmorphinan analogs of dextromethorphan (DM) have open developed which are...nTTrTTn) INTRODUCTION The antitussives dextromethorphan (DM), caramiphen and carbetapentane have distinguished themselves as anticonvulsant drugs (1

Effect of anticonvulsants on plasma testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin levels.

PubMed Central

Barragry, J M; Makin, H L; Trafford, D J; Scott, D F

1978-01-01

Plasma sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone levels were measured in 29 patients with epilepsy (16 men and 13 women), most of them on chronic therapy with anticonvulsant drugs. Sex hormone binding globulin concentrations were increased in both sexes and testosterone levels in male patients. It is postulated that anticonvulsants may induce hepatic synthesis of SHBG. PMID:569688

Alcohol and Anticonvulsant Medication Use during Pregnancy: Effects on the Growth and Development of Infants and Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Dyke, Don C.; And Others

1996-01-01

The effects of anticonvulsant medication or alcohol use during pregnancy on the development of children are examined. Malformations of children whose mothers used anticonvulsant medications or alcohol while pregnant are illustrated. Prevention of the use of alcohol and anticonvulsant medication by pregnant women is discussed. (CR)

Potential role of anticonvulsants in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.

PubMed

Wang, Hee Ryung; Woo, Young Sup; Bahk, Won-Myong

2014-10-01

We reviewed the extant literature to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of anticonvulsants in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Relevant literature was accessed using the Cochrane database, embase and PubMed on 29 October 2013. Prospective studies examining the efficacy of anticonvulsants in obsessive-compulsive and related disorders were included. Case reports, case series, and retrospective studies were excluded. A total of 10 studies were included in this review. The studies of obsessive-compulsive disorder, except for two negative studies, showed favorable efficacy results of anticonvulsants. In one study on body dysmorphic disorder, levetiracetam showed favorable efficacy. In two lamotrigine studies for pathologic skin-picking, the efficacy findings were inconsistent. In one trichotillomania study, topiramate had reduced hair-pulling symptoms. Despite limited evidence, our review suggests that anticonvulsants have a potential role in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. © 2014 The Authors. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences © 2014 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Anticonvulsive activity of Butea monosperma flowers in laboratory animals.

PubMed

Kasture, Veena S; Kasture, S B; Chopde, C T

2002-07-01

The bioassay-guided fractionation of dried flowers of Butea monosperma (BM) was carried out to isolate the active principle responsible for its anticonvulsant activity. The petroleum ether extract was fractionated by column chromatography using solvents of varying polarity such as n-hexane, n-hexane:ethyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The anticonvulsive principle of B. monosperma was found to be a triterpene (TBM) present in the n-hexane:ethyl acetate (1:1) fraction of the petroleum ether extract. TBM exhibited anticonvulsant activity against seizures induced by maximum electroshock (MES) and its PD(50) was found to be 34.2+/-18.1 mg/kg. TBM also inhibited seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), electrical kindling, and the combination of lithium sulfate and pilocarpine nitrate (Li-Pilo). However, TBM was not effective against seizures induced by strychnine and picrotoxin. TBM exhibited depressant effect on the central nervous system. After repeated use for 7 days, the PD(50) (MES) of TBM increased to 51.5+/-12.1 mg/kg. Similarly, after repeated use of TBM, the duration of sleep induced by pentobarbital was not reduced significantly. Further studies are required to investigate its usefulness in the treatment of epilepsy.

Mood-Stabilizing Anticonvulsants, Spina Bifida, and Folate Supplementation: Commentary.

PubMed

Patel, Neil; Viguera, Adele C; Baldessarini, Ross J

2018-02-01

High risks of neural tube defects and other teratogenic effects are associated with exposure in early pregnancy to some anticonvulsants, including in women with bipolar disorder. Based on a semistructured review of recent literature, we summarized findings pertaining to this topic. Valproate and carbamazepine are commonly used empirically (off-label) for putative long-term mood-stabilizing effects. Both anticonvulsants have high risks of teratogenic effects during pregnancy. Risks of neural tube defects (especially spina bifida) and other major malformations are especially great with valproate and can arise even before pregnancy is diagnosed. Standard supplementation of folic acid during pregnancy can reduce risk of spontaneous spina bifida, but not that associated with valproate or carbamazepine. In contrast, lamotrigine has regulatory approval for long-term use in bipolar disorder and appears not to have teratogenic effects in humans. Lack of protective effects against anticonvulsant-associated neural tube defects by folic acid supplements in anticipation of and during pregnancy is not widely recognized. This limitation and high risks of neural tube and other major teratogenic effects, especially of valproate, indicate the need for great caution in the use of valproate and carbamazepine to treat bipolar disorder in women of child-bearing age.

Effects of anticonvulsants and inactivity on bone disease in epileptics

PubMed Central

Murchison, Lilian E.; Bewsher, P. D.; Chesters, Marion; Gilbert, J.; Catto, G.; Law, Elizabeth; McKay, E.; Ross, H. S.

1975-01-01

No significant biochemical or radiological features of vitamin D deficiency were found in groups of juvenile and adult epileptics and control groups of non-epileptic patients in hospitals for the mentally retarded. There was evidence of hepatic enzyme induction in patients on anticonvulsants, in that urinary D-glucaric acid concentration and excretion were raised. No effect was found of prolonged anticonvulsant therapy on bone densitometry, but in children immobility was closely associated with decreased bone density. The evidence suggests that disuse osteoporosis is the major bone disease in these mentally retarded children. PMID:1161672

Anticonvulsant prescription patterns in patients covered by the Colombian Health System.

PubMed

Morales-Plaza, C D; Machado-Alba, J E

Epilepsy is a group of long-term neurological disorders characterised by seizures that may respond to pharmacological treatment. Determine the prescribing patterns of anticonvulsants for patients covered by the healthcare system in Colombia. Cross-sectional study using a database containing 6.5 million people. From among residents in 88 Colombian cities, we selected patients of both sexes and all ages who were treated continuously with anticonvulsants between June and August 2012. We designed a drug consumption database and performed multivariate analysis for combination treatment and co-medication using SPSS 20.0. A total of 13,793 patients with mean age of 48.9±22.0 years were studied; 52.9% of the participants were women. Of the patient total, 74.4% were treated in monotherapy and 25.6% received two or more anticonvulsants. Globally, 72.9% of the patients were initially treated with classic anticonvulsants and 27.1% with new drugs. The most frequently used drugs were valproic acid (33.3%), carbamazepine (30.2%), clonazepam (15.7%), pregabalin (10.3%), phenytoin (10.0%) and levetiracetam (7.9%). Most agents were used in higher doses than recommended. The most common combinations were valproic acid+clonazepam (10.9%), valproic acid+carbamazepine (10.0%), carbamazepine+clonazepam (5.6%), valproic acid+phenytoin (4.4%). The most frequently prescribed co-medications were antihypertensives (61.0%), lipid-lowering drugs (45.8%), antidepressants (36.7%), antipsychotics (20.1%), anxiolytics (7.9%), and lithium (1.8%). Doctors predominantly prescribe drugs with a high therapeutic value and favour anticonvulsant monotherapy. Most agents were used in higher doses than recommended. This underlines the need to design educational strategies addressing these prescribing habits, and to undertake research on the effectiveness of treatment. Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

[The original nootropic and neuroprotective drug noopept potentiates the anticonvulsant activity of valproate in mice].

PubMed

Kravchenko, E V; Ponteleeva, I V; Trofimov, S S; Lapa, V I; Ostrovskaia, R U; Voronina, T A

2009-01-01

The influence of the original dipeptide drug noopept, known to possess nootrope, neuroprotector, and anxiolytic properties, on the anticonvulsant activity of the antiepileptic drug valproate has been studied on the model of corazole-induced convulsions in mice. Neither a single administration of noopept (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) nor its repeated introduction in 10 or 35 days enhanced the convulsant effect of corazole, which is evidence that noopept alone does not possess anticonvulsant properties. Prolonged (five weeks) preliminary administration of noopept enhanced the anticonvulsant activity of valproate. This result justifies the joint chronic administration of noopept in combination with valproate in order to potentiate the anticonvulsant effect of the latter drug. In addition, the administration of noopept favorably influences the cognitive functions and suppresses the development of neurodegenerative processes.

Antinociceptive and anticonvulsant activities of hydroalcoholic extract of Jasminum grandiflorum (jasmine) leaves in experimental animals.

PubMed

Gupta, Rajesh K; Reddy, Pooja S

2013-10-01

Jasminum grandiflorum belongs to the family Oleaceae and is known to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiulcer activities. The present study was undertaken to study its analgesic and anticonvulsant effects in rats and mice. The antinociceptive activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of J. grandiflorum leaves (HEJGL) was studied using tail flick and acetic acid - induced writhing method. Similarly, its anticonvulsant activity was observed by maximal electroshock (MES) method and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) method. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's test. At doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, HEJGL showed significant analgesic and anticonvulsant effects in experimental animals. In view of its analgesic and anticonvulsant activity, the JGL extract can be used in painful conditions as well as in seizure disorders.

Antinociceptive and anticonvulsant activities of hydroalcoholic extract of Jasminum grandiflorum (jasmine) leaves in experimental animals

PubMed Central

Gupta, Rajesh K.; Reddy, Pooja S.

2013-01-01

Jasminum grandiflorum belongs to the family Oleaceae and is known to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiulcer activities. The present study was undertaken to study its analgesic and anticonvulsant effects in rats and mice. The antinociceptive activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of J. grandiflorum leaves (HEJGL) was studied using tail flick and acetic acid – induced writhing method. Similarly, its anticonvulsant activity was observed by maximal electroshock (MES) method and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) method. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's test. At doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, HEJGL showed significant analgesic and anticonvulsant effects in experimental animals. In view of its analgesic and anticonvulsant activity, the JGL extract can be used in painful conditions as well as in seizure disorders. PMID:24174823

Enalapril enhances the anticonvulsant activity of lamotrigine in the test of maximal electroshock.

PubMed

Łukawski, Krzysztof; Jakubus, Tomasz; Janowska, Agnieszka; Raszewski, Grzegorz; Czuczwar, Stanisław J

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to find out whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, enalapril and cilazapril, affect the anticonvulsant action of some second-generation antiepileptics, lamotrigine (LTG), topiramate (TPM) and oxcarbazepine (OXC). The effects of ACE inhibitors on antiepileptic drugs were examined in the mouse model of maximal electroshock. Enalapril (30 mg/kg ip) potentiated the anticonvulsant action of LTG, decreasing its ED50 value from 5.3 to 3.6 mg/kg (p < 0.01). The anticonvulsant activity of TPM or OXC was not modified by enalapril. Cilazapril did not affect the protective activity of the studied antiepileptics. The interaction between enalapril and LTG could be pharmacodynamic in nature because enalapril did not change plasma and total brain concentrations of LTG. This study shows that there are no negative interactions between the studied antiepileptic drugs and enalapril or cilazapril. Enalapril even enhanced the anticonvulsant activity of LTG in the MES test in mice that is thought to be a predictive model of human generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Anticonvulsant Effect of Guaifenesin against Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizure in Mice.

PubMed

Keshavarz, Mojtaba; Showraki, Alireza; Emamghoreishi, Masoumeh

2013-06-01

There have been some reports about the possible N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist activity of Guaifenesin. As drugs with a similar structure to Guaifenesin (i.e. Felbamate) and those with NMDA antagonist activity have been clinically used as anticonvulsants, the aim of this study was to determine whether Guaifenesin has an anticonvulsant effect in an animal model of seizure. Anticonvulsant effect of Guaifenesin was assessed via Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsion. Male albino mice received Guaifenesin (100, 200, 300, or 400 mg/kg; n=8-10) or 0.25% Tween (vehicle) intraperitoneally 30 minutes before the injection of PTZ (95 mg/kg). Diazepam (3 mg/kg; n=8) was used as a reference drug. The latency time before the onset of myoclonic, clonic, and tonic-clonic convulsions, percentage of animals exhibiting convulsion, and percentage of mortality were recorded. In addition, the effect of Guaifenesin on neuromuscular coordination was assessed using the Rotarod. Guaifenesin at all the studied doses significantly increased the latency to myoclonic and clonic convulsions in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Guaifenesin at the dose of 300 mg/kg increased the latency to tonic-clonic seizure. The ED50s of Guaifenesin for protection against PTZ-induced clonic and tonic-clonic seizures and death were 744.88 (360-1540), 256 (178-363), and 328 (262-411) mg/kg, respectively. Guaifenesin at all the investigated doses significantly reduced neuromuscular coordination, compared to the vehicle-treated group. These results suggest that Guaifenesin possesses muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties and may have a potential clinical use in absence seizure.

Metabolic stability of new anticonvulsants in body fluids and organ homogenates.

PubMed

Marszałek, Dorota; Goldnik, Anna; Pluciński, Franciszek; Mazurek, Aleksander P; Jakubiak, Anna; Lis, Ewa; Tazbir, Piotr; Koziorowska, Agnieszka

2012-01-01

The stability as a function of time of compounds with established anticonvulsant activity: picolinic acid benzylamide (Pic-BZA), picolinic acid 2-fluorobenzylamide (Pic-2-F-BZA), picolinic acid 3-fluorobenzylamide (Pic-3-F-BZA), picolinic acid 4-fluorobenzylamide (Pic-4-F-BZA) and picolinic acid 2-methylbenzylamide (Pic-2-Me-BZA) in body fluids and homogenates of body organs were determined after incubation. It was found that they decompose relatively rapidly in liver and kidney and are stable against enzymes present in body fluids and some organs. These results are consistent with the bond strength expressed as total energy of amide bonds (calculated by quantum chemical methods) in the studied anticonvulsants. The calculated values of the amide bond energy are: 199.4 kcal/mol, 200.2 kcal/mol, 207.5 kcal/mol, 208.4 kcal/mol and 198.2 kcal/mol, respectively. The strength of the amide bonds in the studied anticonvulsants correctly reflects their stability in liver or kidney.

Increasing use of atypical antipsychotics and anticonvulsants during pregnancy

PubMed Central

Epstein, Richard A.; Bobo, William V.; Shelton, Richard C.; Arbogast, Patrick G.; Morrow, James A.; Wang, Wei; Chandrasekhar, Rameela; Cooper, William O.

2013-01-01

Purpose To quantify maternal use of atypical antipsychotics, typical antipsychotics, anticonvulsants and lithium during pregnancy. Methods Tennessee birth and death records were linked to Tennessee Medicaid data to conduct a retrospective cohort study of 296,817 women enrolled in Tennessee Medicaid throughout pregnancy who had a live birth or fetal death from 1985 to 2005. Results During the study time period, the adjusted rate of use of any study medication during pregnancy increased from nearly 14 to 31 per 1,000 pregnancies (β = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.07, 0.09). Significant increases were reported in use of anticonvulsants alone among mothers with pain and other psychiatric disorders, atypical antipsychotics alone among mothers with bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, unipolar depressive disorders, and other psychiatric disorders, and more than one studied medication for mothers with epilepsy, pain disorders, bipolar disorders, unipolar depressive disorders, and other psychiatric disorders. Significant decreases were reported in use of lithium alone and typical antipsychotics alone for all clinically meaningful diagnosis groups. Conclusions There was a substantial increase in use of atypical antipsychotics alone, anticonvulsants alone, and medications from multiple studied categories among Tennessee Medicaid-insured pregnant women during the study period. Further examination of the maternal and fetal consequences of exposure to these medications during pregnancy is warranted. PMID:23124892

QSAR and 3D-QSAR studies applied to compounds with anticonvulsant activity.

PubMed

Garro Martinez, Juan C; Vega-Hissi, Esteban G; Andrada, Matías F; Estrada, Mario R

2015-01-01

Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR and 3D-QSAR) have been applied in the last decade to obtain a reliable statistical model for the prediction of the anticonvulsant activities of new chemical entities. However, despite the large amount of information on QSAR, no recent review has published and discussed this data in detail. In this review, the authors provide a detailed discussion of QSAR studies that have been applied to compounds with anticonvulsant activity published between the years 2003 and 2013. They also evaluate the mathematical approaches and the main software used to develop the QSAR and 3D-QSAR model. QSAR methodologies continue to attract the attention of researchers and provide valuable information for the development of new potentially active compounds including those with anticonvulsant activity. This has been helped in part by improvements in the size and performance of computers; the development of specific software and the development of novel molecular descriptors, which have given rise to new and more predictive QSAR models. The extensive development of descriptors, and the way by which descriptor values are derived, have allowed the evolution of the QSAR methods. This evolution could strengthen the QSAR methods as an important tool in research and development of new and more potent anticonvulsant agents.

Alteration of bioelectrically-controlled processes in the embryo: a teratogenic mechanism for anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Hernández-Díaz, Sonia; Levin, Michael

2014-08-01

Maternal use of anticonvulsants during the first trimester of pregnancy has been associated with an elevated risk of major congenital malformations in the offspring. Whether the increased risk is caused by the specific pharmacological mechanisms of certain anticonvulsants, the underlying epilepsy, or common genetic or environmental risk factors shared by epilepsy and malformations has been controversial. We hypothesize that anticonvulsant therapies during pregnancy that attain more successful inhibition of neurotransmission might lead to both better seizure control in the mother and stronger alteration of bioelectrically-controlled processes in the embryo that result in structural malformations. We propose that development of pharmaceuticals that do not alter cell resting transmembrane voltage levels could result in safer drugs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anticonvulsants and suicide attempts in bipolar I disorders.

PubMed

Bellivier, F; Belzeaux, R; Scott, J; Courtet, P; Golmard, J-L; Azorin, J-M

2017-05-01

To identify risk factors for suicide attempts (SA) in individuals commencing treatment for a manic or mixed episode. A total of 3390 manic or mixed cases with bipolar disorder (BD) type I recruited from 14 European countries were included in a prospective, 2-year observational study. Poisson regression models were used to identify individual and treatment factors associated with new SA events. Two multivariate models were built, stratified for the presence or absence of prior SA. A total of 302 SA were recorded prospectively; the peak incidence was 0-12 weeks after commencing treatment. In cases with a prior history of SA, risk of SA repetition was associated with younger age of first manic episode (P = 0.03), rapid cycling (P < 0.001), history of alcohol and/or substance use disorder (P < 0.001), number of psychotropic drugs prescribed (P < 0.001) and initiation of an anticonvulsant at study entry (P < 0.001). In cases with no previous SA, the first SA event was associated with rapid cycling (P = 0.02), lifetime history of alcohol use disorder (P = 0.02) and initiation of an anticonvulsant at study entry (P = 0.002). The introduction of anticonvulsants for a recent-onset manic or mixed episode may be associated with an increased risk of SA. Further BD studies must determine whether this link is causal. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Lacosamide derivatives with anticonvulsant activity as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Molecular modeling, docking and QSAR analysis.

PubMed

Garro Martinez, Juan C; Vega-Hissi, Esteban G; Andrada, Matías F; Duchowicz, Pablo R; Torrens, Francisco; Estrada, Mario R

2014-01-01

Lacosamide is an anticonvulsant drug which presents carbonic anhydrase inhibition. In this paper, we analyzed the apparent relationship between both activities performing a molecular modeling, docking and QSAR studies on 18 lacosamide derivatives with known anticonvulsant activity. Docking results suggested the zinc-binding site of carbonic anhydrase is a possible target of lacosamide and lacosamide derivatives making favorable Van der Waals interactions with Asn67, Gln92, Phe131 and Thr200. The mathematical models revealed a poor relationship between the anticonvulsant activity and molecular descriptors obtained from DFT and docking calculations. However, a QSAR model was developed using Dragon software descriptors. The statistic parameters of the model are: correlation coefficient, R=0.957 and standard deviation, S=0.162. Our results provide new valuable information regarding the relationship between both activities and contribute important insights into the essential molecular requirements for the anticonvulsant activity.

Anticonvulsant Effect of Guaifenesin against Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizure in Mice

PubMed Central

Keshavarz, Mojtaba; Showraki, Alireza; Emamghoreishi, Masoumeh

2013-01-01

Background: There have been some reports about the possible N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist activity of Guaifenesin. As drugs with a similar structure to Guaifenesin (i.e. Felbamate) and those with NMDA antagonist activity have been clinically used as anticonvulsants, the aim of this study was to determine whether Guaifenesin has an anticonvulsant effect in an animal model of seizure. Methods: Anticonvulsant effect of Guaifenesin was assessed via Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsion. Male albino mice received Guaifenesin (100, 200, 300, or 400 mg/kg; n=8-10) or 0.25% Tween (vehicle) intraperitoneally 30 minutes before the injection of PTZ (95 mg/kg). Diazepam (3 mg/kg; n=8) was used as a reference drug. The latency time before the onset of myoclonic, clonic, and tonic-clonic convulsions, percentage of animals exhibiting convulsion, and percentage of mortality were recorded. In addition, the effect of Guaifenesin on neuromuscular coordination was assessed using the Rotarod. Results: Guaifenesin at all the studied doses significantly increased the latency to myoclonic and clonic convulsions in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Guaifenesin at the dose of 300 mg/kg increased the latency to tonic-clonic seizure. The ED50s of Guaifenesin for protection against PTZ-induced clonic and tonic-clonic seizures and death were 744.88 (360-1540), 256 (178-363), and 328 (262-411) mg/kg, respectively. Guaifenesin at all the investigated doses significantly reduced neuromuscular coordination, compared to the vehicle-treated group. Conclusion: These results suggest that Guaifenesin possesses muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties and may have a potential clinical use in absence seizure. PMID:23825891

Effects of anticonvulsants in vivo on high affinity choline uptake in vitro in mouse hippocampal synaptosomes.

PubMed Central

Miller, J. A.; Richter, J. A.

1985-01-01

The effects of several anticonvulsant drugs on sodium-dependent high affinity choline uptake (HACU) in mouse hippocampal synaptosomes was investigated. HACU was measured in vitro after in vivo administration of the drug to mice. HACU was inhibited by drugs which have in common the ability to facilitate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission, pentobarbitone, phenobarbitone, barbitone, diazepam, chloridiazepoxide, and valproic acid. Dose-response relationships were determined for these drugs and the drugs' potencies at inhibiting HACU correlated well with their anticonvulsant potencies. Clonazepam, ethosuximide, carbamazepine, and barbituric acid had no effect on HACU in the doses used while phenytoin and trimethadione stimulated HACU. These results suggest that certain anticonvulsants may elicit a part of their anticonvulsant activity by modulating cholinergic neurones. This effect may be mediated through a GABA mechanism. PMID:3978310

A systematic review on the role of anticonvulsants in the treatment of acute bipolar depression.

PubMed

Reinares, María; Rosa, Adriane R; Franco, Carolina; Goikolea, José Manuel; Fountoulakis, Kostas; Siamouli, Melina; Gonda, Xenia; Frangou, Sophia; Vieta, Eduard

2013-03-01

Despite the high morbidity and mortality associated with bipolar depression, the optimal treatment for this phase is still a matter of debate. The aim of the current review was to provide updated evidence about the efficacy and tolerability of anticonvulsants in the treatment of acute bipolar depression. A comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of anticonvulsants for the treatment of acute bipolar depression up to June 2011 was conducted by means of the PubMed-Medline database. Eligibility criteria included active comparator-controlled or placebo-controlled randomized studies involving monotherapy or combination therapy. A total of 18 RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Studies supported the efficacy of divalproex as monotherapy in acute bipolar depression but small sample size was a common methodological limitation. Findings were inconclusive for lamotrigine and carbamazepine although overall lamotrigine may have a beneficial but modest effect. Negative results were found for levetiracetam and gabapentin but the evidence base on these agents is scant. All anticonvulsants were generally well tolerated. No double-blind RCTs were found for the use of other anticonvulsants such as oxcarbazepine, licarbazepine, zonisamide, retigabine, pregabalin, tiagabine, felbamate and vigabatrine in the acute treatment of bipolar depression. To sum up, taking into consideration the efficacy and tolerability profiles of anticonvulsants, current evidence supports the use of divalproex and lamotrigine in the treatment of acute bipolar depression. However, available data for most other anticonvulsants are inconclusive and further RCTs with larger sample sizes are needed before drawing firm conclusions.

Tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of morphine in mice: blockage by ultra-low dose naltrexone.

PubMed

Roshanpour, Maryam; Ghasemi, Mehdi; Riazi, Kiarash; Rafiei-Tabatabaei, Neda; Ghahremani, Mohammad Hossein; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2009-02-01

The present study evaluated the development of tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of morphine in a mouse model of clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, and whether ultra-low doses of the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone which selectively block G(s) opioid receptors were capable of preventing the observed tolerance. The results showed that the morphine anticonvulsant effect could be subject to tolerance after repeated administration. Both the development and expression of tolerance were inhibited by ultra-low doses of naltrexone, suggesting the possible involvement of G(s)-coupled opioid receptors in the development of tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of morphine.

Concomitant Anticonvulsants With Bitemporal Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Clinical and Neurobiological Application.

PubMed

Rakesh, Gopalkumar; Thirthalli, Jagadisha; Kumar, Channaveerachari Naveen; Muralidharan, Kesavan; Phutane, Vivek H; Gangadhar, Bangalore N

2017-03-01

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for major affective disorders. The combined use of ECT and anticonvulsant mood stabilizers is a common clinical scenario. There is dearth of systematic studies on the use of this combination with regard to clinical or cognitive outcomes. We aimed to compare clinical improvement and cognitive adverse effects between patients who received only ECT versus those who received ECT and anticonvulsants. We hypothesized that improvement would be fastest in patients who received only ECT. We conducted a randomized controlled trial in which patients prescribed ECT while being treated with anticonvulsants were randomized into 3 groups: full-dose (FD), half-dose (HD), and stop anticonvulsant. A blind rater assessed clinical improvement in patients using rating scales [Young's Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Clinical Global Impression] for clinical improvement and cognitive adverse effects (Postgraduate Institute memory scale). Analysis was done using mixed-effects modeling to delineate differences in clinical and cognitive outcomes across the 3 arms of the study over the course of ECT. Of the 54 patients recruited, 36 patients went into treatment allocation arms per the initial randomization plan. The main anticonvulsants prescribed were sodium valproate and carbamazepine. Patients in the 3 groups were comparable on clinical features. The most common diagnosis was bipolar affective disorder-with current episode of mania. Overall, there was no difference across the 3 groups in final clinical outcome scores (YMRS and Clinical Global Impression) when analyzed as intention to treat (ITT) or "as treated." In both analyses, group × time interaction was significant when comparing trend of YMRS scores between the FD anticonvulsant group and the HD group from baseline to last ECT (P = 0.0435 in ITT and P = 0.0055 in as treated). Patients in the FD group improved faster than those in the HD group. There were no differences across

Anticonvulsants Teratogenic Mechanism Involves Alteration of Bioelectrically-controlled Processes in the Embryo. A hypothesis

PubMed Central

Hernández-Díaz, Sonia; Levin, Michael

2014-01-01

Maternal use of anticonvulsants during the first trimester of pregnancy has been associated with an elevated risk of major congenital malformations in the offspring. Whether the increased risk is caused by the specific pharmacological mechanisms of certain anticonvulsants, the underlying epilepsy, or common genetic or environmental risk factors shared by epilepsy and malformations is controversial. We hypothesize that anticonvulsant therapies during pregnancy that attain more successful inhibition of neurotransmission might lead to both better seizure control in the mother and stronger alteration of bioelectrically-controlled processes in the embryo that result in structural malformations. If our theory were correct, development of pharmaceuticals that do not alter cell resting transmembrane voltage levels could result in safer drugs. PMID:24815983

Retrospective Analysis of Nonepileptic Patients With Isolated Epileptiform Discharges Treated With Anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Swatzyna, Ronald J; Tarnow, Jay D; Proler, Meyer L; Roark, Alexandra J; MacInerney, Erin K; Kozlowski, Gerald P

2017-09-01

Many antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been tested on nonepileptic patients with a variety of diagnoses. The Food and Drug Administration has only approved certain AEDs for a small number of psychiatric conditions. There are few studies of nonepileptic patients that recommend an empirical trial of AEDs when isolated epileptiform discharges (IEDs) are identified in the electroencephalogram (EEG). However, no trials have been published. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of treating nonepileptic patients with AEDs when IEDs are present. Refractory cases were reviewed from a multidisciplinary practice whose EEG readings contained IEDs and were subsequently medicated with anticonvulsants by the clinic's psychiatrist. The psychiatrist's progress notes were assessed to determine the impact of adding anticonvulsants based on parent reports, teacher reports, and clinical observation. The final sample was composed of 76 refractory cases. Of the 76 patients treated with anticonvulsants, the majority were found to be improved in follow-up progress notes: 65 improved (85.53%), 6 unchanged (7.89%), and 5 more severe (6.58%). These observational findings suggest that further studies will be needed to show that IEDs may predict positive treatment outcome to anticonvulsant medication and act as a step toward an evidence-based treatment. Also, EEG screening may prove to be useful for refractory cases regardless of age, gender, or diagnosis.

Triazole incorporated thiazoles as a new class of anticonvulsants: design, synthesis and in vivo screening.

PubMed

Siddiqui, Nadeem; Ahsan, Waquar

2010-04-01

Various 3-[4-(substituted phenyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-ylamino]-4-(substituted phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-thiones (7a-t) were designed keeping in view the structural requirements suggested in the pharmacophore model for anticonvulsant activity. Thiazole and triazole moieties being anticonvulsants were clubbed together to get the titled compounds and their in vivo anticonvulsant screening were performed by two most adopted seizure models, maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ). Two compounds 7d and 7f showed significant anticonvulsant activity in both the screens with ED(50) values 23.9 mg/kg and 13.4 mg/kg respectively in MES screen and 178.6 mg/kg and 81.6 mg/kg respectively in scPTZ test. They displayed a wide margin of safety with Protective index (PI), median hypnotic dose (HD(50)) and median lethal dose (LD(50)) much higher than the standard drugs. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Increasing use of atypical antipsychotics and anticonvulsants during pregnancy.

PubMed

Epstein, Richard A; Bobo, William V; Shelton, Richard C; Arbogast, Patrick G; Morrow, James A; Wang, Wei; Chandrasekhar, Rameela; Cooper, William O

2013-07-01

To quantify maternal use of atypical antipsychotics, typical antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and lithium during pregnancy. Tennessee birth and death records were linked to Tennessee Medicaid data to conduct a retrospective cohort study of 296,817 women enrolled in Tennessee Medicaid throughout pregnancy who had a live birth or fetal death from 1985 to 2005. During the study time period, the adjusted rate of use of any study medication during pregnancy increased from nearly 14 to 31 per 1000 pregnancies (β = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.07, 0.09). Significant increases were reported in use of anticonvulsants alone among mothers with pain and other psychiatric disorders, atypical antipsychotics alone among mothers with bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, unipolar depressive disorders, and other psychiatric disorders, and more than one studied medication for mothers with epilepsy, pain disorders, bipolar disorders, unipolar depressive disorders, and other psychiatric disorders. Significant decreases were reported in use of lithium alone and typical antipsychotics alone for all clinically meaningful diagnosis groups. There was a substantial increase in use of atypical antipsychotics alone, anticonvulsants alone, and medications from multiple studied categories among Tennessee Medicaid-insured pregnant women during the study period. Further examination of the maternal and fetal consequences of exposure to these medications during pregnancy is warranted. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Anticonvulsant activity of DNS II fraction in the acute seizure models.

PubMed

Raza, Muhammad Liaquat; Zeeshan, Mohammad; Ahmad, Manzoor; Shaheen, Farzana; Simjee, Shabana U

2010-04-21

Delphinium nordhagenii belongs to family Ranunculaceae, it is widely found in tropical areas of Pakistan. Other species of Delphinium are reported as anticonvulsant and are traditionally used in the treatment of epilepsy. Delphinium nordhagenii is used by local healer in Pakistan but never used for scientific investigation as anticonvulsant. Thus, Delphinium nordhagenii was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation and the most active fraction, i.e. DNS II acetone was chosen for further testing in the acute seizure models of epilepsy to study the antiepileptic potential in male mice. Different doses (60, 65 and 70mg/kg, i.p.) of DNS II acetone fraction of Delphinium nordhagenii was administered 30min prior the chemoconvulsant's injection in the male mice. Convulsive doses of chemoconvulsants (pentylenetetrazole 90mg/kg, s.c. and picrotoxin 3.15mg/kg, s.c.) were used. The mice were observed 45-90min for the presence of seizures. Moreover, four different doses of DNS II (60, 65, 70 and 100mg/kg, i.p.) were tested in the MES test. The DNS II acetone fraction of Delphinium nordhagenii has exhibited the anticonvulsant actions by preventing the seizures against PTZ- and picrotoxin-induced seizure as well as 100% seizure protection in MES test. The results are comparable with standard AEDs (diazepam 7.5mg/kg, i.p. and phenytoin 20mg/kg, i.p.). These findings suggest that the Delphinium nordhagenii possesses the anticonvulsant activity. Further analysis is needed to confirm the structure and target the extended activity profile. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative neurocognitive effects of lithium and anticonvulsants in long-term stable bipolar patients.

PubMed

Sabater, Ana; García-Blanco, Ana C; Verdet, Hélade M; Sierra, Pilar; Ribes, Josep; Villar, Irene; Lara, Mª José; Arnal, Pilar; Rojo, Luis; Livianos, Lorenzo

2016-01-15

The aim of choosing a mood-stabilizing drug (lithium or anticonvulsants) or a combination of them with minimal neurocognitive effects is to stimulate the development of criteria for a therapeutic adequacy, particularly in Bipolar Disorder (BD) patients who are clinically stabilized. Three groups of BD patients were established according to their treatment: (i) lithium monotherapy (n=29); (ii) lithium together with one or more anticonvulsants (n=28); and (iii) one or more anticonvulsants (n=16). A group of healthy controls served as the control (n=25). The following tests were applied: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Trail Making Test, Wechsler Memory Scale, Rey Complex Figure Test, Stroop color-word test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Tower of Hanoi, Frontal Assessment Battery, and Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test. Relative to healthy controls, BD patients showed the following: (i) those on lithium monotherapy, but not other BD groups, had preserved short-term auditory memory, long-term memory, and attention; (ii) those who took only anticonvulsants showed worse findings in short-term visual memory, working memory, and several executive functions; and (iii) all BD patients showed worse performance in processing speed, resistance to interference, and emotion recognition. Medication alone cannot explain why all BD patients showed common cognitive deficits despite different pharmacological treatment. The impairment on some executive functions and emotion recognition is an inherent trait in BD patients, regardless of their pharmacological treatment. However, while memory, attention, and most of the executive functions are preserved in long-term stable BD patients, these cognitive functions are impaired in those who take anticonvulsants. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Anticonvulsant Effect of Diazoxide against Dichlorvos-Induced Seizures in Mice

PubMed Central

Jazayeri, Amin; Zolfaghari, Samira; Ostadhadi, Sattar

2013-01-01

Dichlorvos, a synthetic organophosphate toxin, is used as pesticides. These toxins can be used as pesticides in farming and medicine for the devastation and/or elimination of ectoparasites of animals. Reports have shown that Dichlorvos generate seizure effects in various animals. Potassium channel opener is extensively used for medication of cardiovascular and other diseases. Studies have shown that potassium channel opener has anticonvulsant effects in different animal models. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of dizoxide on Dichlorvos-induced seizures in mice. In this research, the animals received different doses of Diazoxide (1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg b.wt.) intraperitoneally 30 min before intraperitoneal injection of Dichlorvos (50 mg/kg b.w.t). After Dichlorvos injection, latency of clones, severity of seizure, and finally death as the fate were investigated. Results showed that Diazoxide dose-dependently decreased the severity of Dichlorvos-induced seizures, so that Diazoxide at a dose of 5 mg (the lowest, P < 0.05) and 20 mg/kg b.wt. (the highest, P < 0.001) has anticonvulsant effects. Thus, our data suggest that diazoxide as ATP-sensitive potassium channels opener has anticonvulsant activity against dichlorvas-induced seizure. PMID:24453891

Anticonvulsant effect of xenon on neonatal asphyxial seizures.

PubMed

Azzopardi, Denis; Robertson, Nicola J; Kapetanakis, Andrew; Griffiths, James; Rennie, Janet M; Mathieson, Sean R; Edwards, A David

2013-09-01

Xenon, a monoatomic gas with very high tissue solubility, is a non-competitive inhibitor of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor, has antiapoptotic effects and is neuroprotective following hypoxic ischaemic injury in animals. Xenon may be expected to have anticonvulsant effects through glutamate receptor blockade, but this has not previously been demonstrated clinically. We examined seizure activity on the real time and amplitude integrated EEG records of 14 full-term infants with perinatal asphyxial encephalopathy treated within 12 h of birth with 30% inhaled xenon for 24 h combined with 72 h of moderate systemic hypothermia. Seizures were identified on 5 of 14 infants. Seizures stopped during xenon therapy but recurred within a few minutes of withdrawing xenon and stopped again after xenon was restarted. Our data show that subanaesthetic levels of xenon may have an anticonvulsant effect. Inhaled xenon may be a valuable new therapy in this hard-to-treat population.

Group III mGlu receptor agonists potentiate the anticonvulsant effect of AMPA and NMDA receptor block.

PubMed

De Sarro, Giovambattista; Chimirri, Alba; Meldrum, Brian S

2002-09-06

We report the anticonvulsant action in DBA/2 mice of two mGlu Group III receptor agonists: (R,S)-4-phosphonophenylglycine, (R,S)-PPG, a compound with moderate mGlu8 selectivity, and of (1S,3R,4S)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, ACPT-1, a selective agonist for mGlu4alpha receptors. Both compounds, given intracerebroventricularly at doses which did not show marked anticonvulsant activity, produced a consistent shift to the left of the dose-response curves (i.e. enhanced the anticonvulsant properties) of 1-(4'-aminophenyl)-3,5-dihydro-7,8-dimethoxy-4H-2,3-benzodiazepin-4-one hydrochloride, CFM-2, a noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist, and 3-((+/-)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-1-phosphonic acid, CPPene, a competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, in DBA/2 mice. In addition, (R,S)-PPG and ACPT-1 administered intracerebroventricularly prolonged the time course of the anticonvulsant properties of CFM-2 (33 micromol/kg, i.p.) and CPPene (3.3 micromol/kg, i.p.) administered intraperitoneally. We conclude that modest reduction of synaptic glutamate release by activation of Group III metabotropic receptors potentiates the anticonvulsant effect of AMPA and NMDA receptor blockade. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.

Compliance and persistence of antidepressants versus anticonvulsants in patients with neuropathic pain during the first year of therapy.

PubMed

Gharibian, Derenik; Polzin, Jennifer K; Rho, Jay P

2013-05-01

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic condition that has human, social, and economic consequences. A variety of agents can be used for treatment; however, antidepressants and anticonvulsants are the 2 classes most widely studied and represent first-line agents in the management of NP. Little information is known about the adherence patterns of these medications during the first year of therapy in patients with NP. To examine the compliance and persistence of antidepressants versus anticonvulsants in patients with NP during the first year of therapy. Using electronic medical and pharmacy data for the Kaiser Permanente Southern California region, the adherence patterns for patients with a NP diagnosis prescribed an antidepressant or an anticonvulsant were studied. Compliance and persistence were measured using the medication possession ratio and the Refill-Sequence model, respectively. The study included 1817 patients with NP diagnosis taking either an antidepressant or an anticonvulsant. Within the antidepressant group, 42.9% were considered compliant, compared with 43.7% in the anticonvulsant group. Subanalysis of the 2 cohorts revealed that patients on venlafaxine were the most compliant (69.4%) compared with patients taking gabapentin (44.4%) and tricyclic antidepressants (41.8%) (P<0.01). Only 21.2% of patients in the antidepressant group and 21.4% in the anticonvulsant group were considered persistent with their medication refills. Compliance and persistence rates were similar for patients with NP diagnosis taking antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Higher compliance was observed among patients taking venlafaxine; however, this population did have a small sample size.

Nitric oxide mediates the anticonvulsant effects of thalidomide on pentylenetetrazole-induced clonic seizures in mice.

PubMed

Payandemehr, Borna; Rahimian, Reza; Gooshe, Maziar; Bahremand, Arash; Gholizadeh, Ramtin; Berijani, Sina; Ahmadi-Dastgerdi, Mohammad; Aminizade, Mehdi; Sarreshte-Dari, Ali; Dianati, Vahid; Amanlou, Massoud; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2014-05-01

Thalidomide is an old glutamic acid derivative which was initially used as a sedative medication but withdrawn from the market due to the high incidence of teratogenicity. Recently, it has reemerged because of its potential for counteracting number of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Other than the antiemetic and hypnotic aspects, thalidomide exerts some anticonvulsant properties in experimental settings. However, the underlying mechanisms of thalidomide actions are not fully realized yet. Some investigations revealed that thalidomide could elicit immunomodulatory or neuromodulatory properties by affecting different targets, including cytokines (such as TNF α), neurotransmitters, and nitric oxide (NO). In this regard, we used a model of clonic seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in male NMRI mice to investigate whether the anticonvulsant effect of thalidomide is affected through modulation of the l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway or not. Injection of a single effective dose of thalidomide (10 mg/kg, i.p. or higher) significantly increased the seizure threshold (P<0.05). On the one hand, pretreatment with low and per se noneffective dose of l-arginine [NO precursor] (10, 30 and 60 mg/kg) prevented the anticonvulsant effect of thalidomide. On the other hand, NOS inhibitors [l-NAME and 7-NI] augmented the anticonvulsant effect of a subeffective dose of thalidomide (1 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) at relatively low doses. Meanwhile, several doses of aminoguanidine [an inducible NOS inhibitor] (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg) failed to alter the anticonvulsant effect of thalidomide significantly. In summary, our findings demonstrated that the l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway can be involved in the anticonvulsant properties of thalidomide, and the role of constitutive nNOS is prominent in the reported neuroprotective feature. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification of compounds with anti-convulsant properties in a zebrafish model of epileptic seizures

PubMed Central

Baxendale, Sarah; Holdsworth, Celia J.; Meza Santoscoy, Paola L.; Harrison, Michael R. M.; Fox, James; Parkin, Caroline A.; Ingham, Philip W.; Cunliffe, Vincent T.

2012-01-01

SUMMARY The availability of animal models of epileptic seizures provides opportunities to identify novel anticonvulsants for the treatment of people with epilepsy. We found that exposure of 2-day-old zebrafish embryos to the convulsant agent pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) rapidly induces the expression of synaptic-activity-regulated genes in the CNS, and elicited vigorous episodes of calcium (Ca2+) flux in muscle cells as well as intense locomotor activity. We then screened a library of ∼2000 known bioactive small molecules and identified 46 compounds that suppressed PTZ-inducedtranscription of the synaptic-activity-regulated gene fos in 2-day-old (2 dpf) zebrafish embryos. Further analysis of a subset of these compounds, which included compounds with known and newly identified anticonvulsant properties, revealed that they exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of both locomotor activity and PTZ-induced fos transcription, confirming their anticonvulsant characteristics. We conclude that this in situ hybridisation assay for fos transcription in the zebrafish embryonic CNS is a robust, high-throughput in vivo indicator of the neural response to convulsant treatment and lends itself well to chemical screening applications. Moreover, our results demonstrate that suppression of PTZ-induced fos expression provides a sensitive means of identifying compounds with anticonvulsant activities. PMID:22730455

Autoradiographic Distribution and Applied Pharmacological Characteristics of Dextromethorphan and Related Antitissue/Anticonvulsant Drugs and Novel Analogs

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-11-01

CHARACTERISTICS OF DEXTROMETHORPHAN AND RELATED ANTITISSUE/ANTICONVULSANT DRUGS AND NOVEL ANALOGS SUBTITLE: Receptor Binding of Dextromethorphan in Normal and...FUNDING NUMBERS Autoradiographic Distribution and Applied Pharmacologica. Characteristics of Dextromethorphan and Related Antitiss e/ Anticonvulsant...Developnent Command Fort Detrick Frederick, Maryland 21702-5012 11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Subtitle: Receptor Binding of Dextromethorphan in Normal and

ANTICONVULSANT AND ANTIEPILEPTIC ACTIONS OF 2-DEOXY-DGLUCOSE IN EPILEPSY MODELS

PubMed Central

Stafstrom, Carl E.; Ockuly, Jeffrey C.; Murphree, Lauren; Valley, Matthew T.; Roopra, Avtar; Sutula, Thomas P.

2009-01-01

Objective Conventional anticonvulsants reduce neuronal excitability through effects on ion channels and synaptic function. Anticonvulsant mechanisms of the ketogenic diet remain incompletely understood. Since carbohydrates are restricted in patients on the ketogenic diet, we evaluated the effects of limiting carbohydrate availability by reducing glycolysis using the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) in experimental models of seizures and epilepsy. Methods Acute anticonvulsant actions of 2DG were assessed in vitro in rat hippocampal slices perfused with 7.5mM [K+]o, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), or bicuculline and in vivo against seizures evoked by 6 Hz stimulation in mice, audiogenic stimulation in Fring’s mice, and maximal electroshock and subcutaneous Metrazol in rats. Chronic antiepileptic effects of 2DG were evaluated in rats kindled from olfactory bulb or perforant path. Results 2DG (10mM) reduced interictal epileptiform bursts induced by high [K+]o, 4-AP and bicuculline, and electrographic seizures induced by high [K+]o in CA3 of hippocampus. 2DG reduced seizures evoked by 6 Hz stimulation in mice (ED50 = 79.7 mg/kg) and audiogenic stimulation in Fring’s mice (ED50 = 206.4 mg/kg). 2DG exerted chronic antiepileptic action by increasing afterdischarge thresholds in perforant path (but not olfactory bulb) kindling and caused a 2-fold slowing in progression of kindled seizures at both stimulation sites. 2DG did not protect against maximal electroshock or Metrazol seizures. Interpretation The glycolytic inhibitor 2DG exerts acute anticonvulsant and chronic antiepileptic actions and has a novel pattern of effectiveness in preclinical screening models. These results identify metabolic regulation as a potential therapeutic target for seizure suppression and modification of epileptogenesis. PMID:19399874

Anticonvulsant activity of artificial sweeteners: a structural link between sweet-taste receptor T1R3 and brain glutamate receptors.

PubMed

Talevi, Alan; Enrique, Andrea V; Bruno-Blanch, Luis E

2012-06-15

A virtual screening campaign based on application of a topological discriminant function capable of identifying novel anticonvulsant agents indicated several widely-used artificial sweeteners as potential anticonvulsant candidates. Acesulfame potassium, cyclamate and saccharin were tested in the Maximal Electroshock Seizure model (mice, ip), showing moderate anticonvulsant activity. We hypothesized a probable structural link between the receptor responsible of sweet taste and anticonvulsant molecular targets. Bioinformatic tools confirmed a highly significant sequence-similarity between taste-related protein T1R3 and several metabotropic glutamate receptors from different species, including glutamate receptors upregulated in epileptogenesis and certain types of epilepsy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antinociceptive and anticonvulsant effects of the monoterpene linalool oxide.

PubMed

Souto-Maior, Flávia Negromonte; Fonsêca, Diogo Vilar da; Salgado, Paula Regina Rodrigues; Monte, Lucas de Oliveira; de Sousa, Damião Pergentino; de Almeida, Reinaldo Nóbrega

2017-12-01

Linalool oxide (OXL) (a monoterpene) is found in the essential oils of certain aromatic plants, or it is derived from linalool. The motivation for this work is the lack of psychopharmacological studies on this substance. To evaluate OXL's acute toxicity, along with its anticonvulsant and antinociceptive activities in male Swiss mice. OXL (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, i.p.) was investigated for acute toxicity and in the Rota-rod test. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by the acetic acid-induced writhing test, and by formalin testing. Anticonvulsant effects were demonstrated by testing for pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures and by Maximum Electroshock headset (MES) test. OXL was administered to the animals intraperitoneally 30 min before for pharmacological tests. OXL showed an LD 50 of ∼721 (681-765) mg/kg. In the Rota-rod test, it was observed that OXL caused no damage to the animal's motor coordination. OXL significantly reduced (p < .001) the number of writhings. OXL also significantly decreased (p < .05, p < .01 or p < .001) paw-licking time in the two phases of the formalin test. OXL significantly reduced (p < .01 or p < .001) the duration of tonic seizures in the MES test, and at the dose 150 mg/kg, significantly increased (p < .01) the latency to first seizure in the PTZ test. The tested doses of OXL were safe, with no motor impairment, and show clear antinociceptive and anticonvulsant potential. Future investigations with this monoterpene may lead to the development of a new molecule with even higher potency and selectivity.

Characteristics of fetal anticonvulsant syndrome associated autistic disorder.

PubMed

Rasalam, A D; Hailey, H; Williams, J H G; Moore, S J; Turnpenny, P D; Lloyd, D J; Dean, J C S

2005-08-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and frequency of autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome (AS; according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition [DSM-IV] criteria) in children exposed to anticonvulsant medication in utero. During a 20-year study period, 626 children were born in Aberdeen to mothers taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The study examined long-term effects of prenatal exposure to AEDs in 260 children (122 males, 138 females). Of these, 26 (16 males) were reported by parents to have social or behavioural difficulties. Eleven children (6 males, 5 females) fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for autistic disorder and one (female) fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for AS. These children comprised 4.6% of the exposed children studied, and 1.9% of all exposed children born during the study period. Mean age of these children at diagnosis was 5 years 4 months (SD 2y 11mo) and 9 years 10 months (SD 3y 10mo) at the time of this study. Other children from the group of 26 had difficulties in areas of speech and language development and social communication but did not meet the criteria for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sodium valproate was the drug most commonly associated with autistic disorder, five of 56 (8.9%) of the study children exposed to sodium valproate alone had either autistic disorder or AS. It was concluded that prenatal exposure to anticonvulsant medication is a risk factor for the development of an ASD. Fetal anticonvulsant syndrome associated autistic disorder is characterized by an even sex ratio, absence of regression or skill loss, and language delay in the absence of global delay.

Effect of enzyme inducing anticonvulsants on ethosuximide pharmacokinetics in epileptic patients

PubMed Central

GIACCONE, M.; BARTOLI, A.; GATTI, G.; MARCHISELLI, R.; PISANI, F.; LATELLA, M.A.; PERUCCA, E.

1996-01-01

1To assess the effect of enzyme inducing anticonvulsants on ethosuximide pharmacokinetics, plasma ethosuximide concentrations after a single oral dose (500 mg) of the drug were compared in 12 healthy control subjects and 10 epileptic patients receiving chronic therapy with phenobarbitone, phenytoin and/or carbamazepine. 2Compared with controls, epileptic patients showed markedly shorter ethosuximide half-lives (29.0±7.8 vs 53.7±14.3 h, means±s.d., P<0.001) and higher apparent oral clearance (CL/ F) values (15.3±3.8 vs 9.2±1.9 ml kg−1 h−1, P<0.001). The apparent volume of distribution ( V/F) of ethosuximide was slighty lower in the patients than in controls (0.6±0.1 vs 0.7±0.1 l kg−1, P<0.05). 3These findings provide evidence that ethosuximide elimination is increased by enzyme inducing anticonvulsants, the effect probably being mediated by stimulation of cytochrome CYP3A activity. 4The enhancement of ethosuximide clearance in patients comedicated with enzyme inducing anticonvulsants is likely to be clinically relevant. Higher ethosuximide dosages will be required to achieve therapeutic drug concentrations in these patients. PMID:8799524

Anticonvulsant properties of alpha, gamma, and alpha, gamma-substituted gamma-butyrolactones.

PubMed

Klunk, W E; Covey, D F; Ferrendelli, J A

1982-09-01

Derivatives of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) substituted on the alpha- and/or gamma-positions were synthesized and tested for their effects on behavior in mice, on the electroencephalographs and blood pressure of paralyzed-ventilated guinea pigs, and on electrical activity of incubated hippocampal slices. Several compounds, including alpha-ethyl-alpha-methyl GBL (alpha-EMGBL), alpha, alpha-dimethyl GBL, alpha, gamma-diethyl-alpha, gamma-dimethyl GBL, and gamma-ethyl-gamma-methyl GBL, prevented seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol, beta-ethyl-beta-methyl-gamma-butyrolactone (beta-EMGBL), picrotoxin, or all three compounds in mice and guinea pigs but had no effect on seizures induced by maximal electroshock or bicuculline. Neither gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) nor alpha-isopropylidine GBL had any anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant alpha-substituted compounds had a potent hypotensive effect and antagonized the hypertensive effect of beta-EMGBL, alpha-EMGBL was tested in incubated hippocampal slices and was found to depress basal activity and antagonize excitation induced by beta-EMGBL. These results demonstrate that alpha-alkyl-substituted GBL and, to a lesser extent, gamma-substituted derivatives are anticonvulsant agents and that their effects are strikingly different from those of GHB or beta-alkyl-substituted GBLs, which are epileptogenic. Possibly beta- and alpha-substituted GBLs act at the same site as agonists and antagonists, respectively.

In Vivo Anticonvulsant Activity of Extracts and Protopine from the Fumaria schleicheri Herb.

PubMed

Prokopenko, Yuliya; Tsyvunin, Vadim; Shtrygol', Sergey; Georgiyants, Victoriya

2015-12-06

The present study aimed to investigate the role of several biologically active compounds from Fumaria schleicheri Soy.-Will. in anticonvulsant models. The flavonoid fraction, alkaloid fraction, individual alkaloid protopine, and polysaccharide-protein complex were isolated from the Fumaria schleicheri herb and studied along with Fumaria schleicheri dry extract in mice with pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. According to empirical results, the expressed anticonvulsant effect of Fumaria schleicheri dry extract depends on the synergism of biologically active compounds in herbal medicine, although some individual substances (mostly protopine and the protein-polysaccharide fraction) have shown moderate anti-seizure activity.

Effect of reduction of anticonvulsants on wellbeing.

PubMed Central

Fischbacher, E

1982-01-01

An attempt was made over a period of a year to reduce the number of anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy in a hospital for the mentally handicapped. At least one drug was withdrawn for each of 20 patients, without loss of seizure control. Effect on wellbeing was assessed by a behavioural scale completed before and after withdrawal, and in the 20 cases of successful withdrawal wellbeing was significantly improved. PMID:6809110

The cannabinoid anticonvulsant effect on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure is potentiated by ultra-low dose naltrexone in mice.

PubMed

Bahremand, Arash; Shafaroodi, Hamed; Ghasemi, Mehdi; Nasrabady, Sara Ebrahimi; Gholizadeh, Shervin; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2008-09-01

Cannabinoid compounds are anticonvulsant since they have inhibitory effects at micromolar doses, which are mediated by activated receptors coupling to G(i/o) proteins. Surprisingly, both the analgesic and anticonvulsant effects of opioids are enhanced by ultra-low doses (nanomolar to picomolar) of the opioid antagonist naltrexone and as opioid and cannabinoid systems interact, it has been shown that ultra-low dose naltrexone also enhances cannabinoid-induced antinociception. Thus, concerning the seizure modulating properties of both classes of receptors this study investigated whether the ultra-low dose opioid antagonist naltrexone influences cannabinoid anticonvulsant effects. The clonic seizure threshold was tested in separate groups of male NMRI mice following injection of vehicle, the cannabinoid selective agonist arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (ACEA) and ultra-low doses of the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone and a combination of ACEA and naltrexone doses in a model of clonic seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Systemic injection of ultra-low doses of naltrexone (1pg/kg to 1ng/kg, i.p.) significantly potentiated the anticonvulsant effect of ACEA (1mg/kg, i.p.). Moreover, the very low dose of naltrexone (500pg/kg) unmasked a strong anticonvulsant effect for very low doses of ACEA (10 and 100microg/kg). A similar potentiation by naltrexone (500pg/kg) of anticonvulsant effects of non-effective dose of ACEA (1mg/kg) was also observed in the generalized tonic-clonic model of seizure. The present data indicate that the interaction between opioid and cannabinoid systems extends to ultra-low dose levels and ultra-low doses of opioid receptor antagonist in conjunction with very low doses of cannabinoids may provide a potent strategy to modulate seizure susceptibility.

The gamma-aminobutyric acid uptake inhibitor, tiagabine, is anticonvulsant in two animal models of reflex epilepsy.

PubMed

Smith, S E; Parvez, N S; Chapman, A G; Meldrum, B S

1995-02-06

The effects of i.p. administration of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake inhibitors R(-)N-(4,4-di(3-methylthien-2-yl)-but-3-enyl) nipecotic acid hydrochloride (tiagabine; molecular weight 412.0), (1-(2-(((diphenylmethylene)-amino)oxy)ethyl)-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-3- pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride (NNC-711; molecular weight 386.9), and (+/-)-nipecotic acid (molecular weight 128.2) are compared with those of carbamazepine (molecular weight 236.3) on sound-induced seizures and locomotor performance in genetically epilepsy-prone (GEP) rats. The ED50 value against clonic seizures (in mumol kg-1 at the time of maximal anticonvulsant effect) for tiagabine was 23 (0.5 h), and for NNC-711 was 72 (1 h), and for carbamazepine was 98 (2 h). (+/-)-Nipecotic acid (0.4-15.6 mmol kg-1) was not anticonvulsant. High doses of NNC-711 (207-310 mumol kg-1) and of (+/-)-nipecotic acid (39-78 mmol kg-1) induced ataxia and myoclonic seizures 0.25-1 h. Tiagabine and carbamazepine did not induce myoclonic seizures and had similar therapeutic indices (locomotor deficit ED50/anticonvulsant ED50) ranging from 0.4 to 1.9. In Papio papio, we observed a reduction in photically induced myoclonic seizures with tiagabine (2.4 mumol kg-1 i.v.) accompanied with neurological impairment. Tiagabine has comparable anticonvulsant action to carbamazepine in rats and has anticonvulsant effects in non-human primates supporting the potential use of inhibitors of GABA uptake as therapy for epilepsy.

Menthone aryl acid hydrazones: a new class of anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Jain, Jainendra; Kumar, Y; Sinha, Reema; Kumar, Rajeev; Stables, James

2011-01-01

A series of ten compounds (Compounds J(1)-J(10)) of (±) 3-menthone aryl acid hydrazone was synthesized and characterized by thin layer chromatography and spectral analysis. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity after intraperitoneal (i.p) administration to mice by maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) induced seizure method and minimal clonic seizure test. Minimal motor impairment was also determined for these compounds. Results obtained showed that four compounds out of ten afforded significant protection in the minimal clonic seizure screen at 6 Hz. Compound J(6), 4-Chloro-N-(2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexylidene) benzohydrazide was found to be the most active compound with MES ED(50) of 16.1 mg/kg and protective index (pI) of greater than 20, indicating that (±) 3-menthone aryl acid hydrazone possesses better and safer anticonvulsant properties than other reported menthone derivatives viz. menthone Schiff bases, menthone semicarbazides and thiosemicarbazides.

Teratogenic risk and contraceptive counselling in psychiatric practice: analysis of anticonvulsant therapy

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Anticonvulsants have been used to manage psychiatric conditions for over 50 years. It is recognised that some, particularly valproate, carbamazepine and lamotrigine, are human teratogens, while others including topiramate require further investigation. We aimed to appraise the documentation of this risk by psychiatrists and review discussion around contraceptive issues. Methods A retrospective review of prescribing patterns of four anticonvulsants (valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine and topiramate) in women of child bearing age was undertaken. Documented evidence of discussion surrounding teratogenicity and contraceptive issues was sought. Results Valproate was most commonly prescribed (n=67). Evidence of teratogenic risk counselling at medication initiation was sub-optimal – 40% of individuals prescribed carbamazepine and 22% of valproate. Documentation surrounding contraceptive issues was also low- 17% of individuals prescribed carbamazepine and 13% of valproate. Conclusion We found both low rates of teratogenic risk counselling and low rates of contraception advice in our cohort. Given the high rates of unplanned pregnancies combined with the relatively high risk of major congenital malformations, it is essential that a detailed appraisal of the risks and benefits associated with anticonvulsant medication occurs and is documented within patients’ psychiatric notes. PMID:24066860

Agmatine exerts anticonvulsant effect in mice: modulation by alpha 2-adrenoceptors and nitric oxide.

PubMed

Demehri, Shadpour; Homayoun, Houman; Honar, Hooman; Riazi, Kiarash; Vafaie, Kourosh; Roushanzamir, Farshad; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2003-09-01

The effect of agmatine, an endogenous polyamine metabolite, on seizure susceptibility was investigated in mice. Acute intraperitoneal administration of agmatine (5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg) had a significant and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. The peak of this anticonvulsant effect was 45 min after agmatine administration. We further investigated the possible involvement of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptors and L-arginine/NO pathway in this effect of agmatine. The alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine (0.5-2 mg/kg), induced a dose-dependent blockade of the anticonvulsant effect of agmatine. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) substrate, L-arginine (60 mg/kg), inhibited the anticonvulsant property of agmatine and this effect was significantly reversed by NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME, 30 mg/kg), implying an NO-dependent mechanism for L-arginine effect. We further examined a possible additive effect between agmatine (1 or 5 mg/kg) and L-NAME (10 mg/kg). The combination of L-NAME (10 mg/kg) with agmatine (5 but not 1 mg/kg) induced a significantly higher level of seizure protection as compared with each drug alone. Moreover, a combination of lower doses of yohimbine (0.5 mg/kg) and L-arginine (30 mg/kg) also significantly decreased the anticonvulsant effect of agmatine. In conclusion, the present data suggest that agmatine may be of potential use in seizure treatment.

In Vivo Anticonvulsant Activity of Extracts and Protopine from the Fumaria schleicheri Herb

PubMed Central

Prokopenko, Yuliya; Tsyvunin, Vadim; Shtrygol’, Sergey; Georgiyants, Victoriya

2015-01-01

The present study aimed to investigate the role of several biologically active compounds from Fumaria schleicheri Soy.-Will. in anticonvulsant models. The flavonoid fraction, alkaloid fraction, individual alkaloid protopine, and polysaccharide-protein complex were isolated from the Fumaria schleicheri herb and studied along with Fumaria schleicheri dry extract in mice with pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. According to empirical results, the expressed anticonvulsant effect of Fumaria schleicheri dry extract depends on the synergism of biologically active compounds in herbal medicine, although some individual substances (mostly protopine and the protein-polysaccharide fraction) have shown moderate anti-seizure activity. PMID:28117320

Evidence for use of mood stabilizers and anticonvulsants in the treatment of nonaffective disorders in children and adolescents.

PubMed

Amaladoss, Alfred; Roberts, Nasreen; Amaladoss, Franklin

2010-01-01

Mood stabilizers and anticonvulsants have been frequently used to control behaviors in children and adolescent with nonaffective disorders. The purpose of this study was to review the literature to evaluate the evidence of these agents as treatment options in this subset of patients. We reviewed all the literature between 1949 and 2009 on the use of anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers in controlling severe behavior dysregulation and aggression in child and adolescent who do not meet the criteria for any mood disorder. The review revealed a total of 19 studies. Of the different mood stabilizers/anticonvulsants, both lithium and divalproex showed some promise in treating children and adolescents with nonmood disorders. Larger studies are nevertheless needed to support the ongoing use of these current anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers in children and adolescents with nonmood disorders. Also, further investigation to the potential use in the long term would need to be established, bearing in mind the balance of side effects and treatment benefit.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Some [1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline Derivatives as Novel Anticonvulsant Agents

PubMed Central

Ghiaty, Adel; El-Morsy, Ahmed; El-Gamal, Kamal

2013-01-01

2-([1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-4-ylthio)acetic acid hydrazide (10) was used as a precursor for the syntheses of novel quinoxaline derivatives with potential anticonvulsant properties. The newly synthesized compounds have been characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and mass spectral data followed by elemental analysis. The anticonvulsant evaluation was carried out for eleven of the synthesized compounds using metrazol induced convulsions model and phenobarbitone sodium as a standard. Among this set of tested compounds, two of them (14, and 15b) showed the best anticonvulsant activities. PMID:24198971

Anticonvulsant effect of aqueous extract of Valeriana officinalis in amygdala-kindled rats: possible involvement of adenosine.

PubMed

Rezvani, Mohammad Ebrahim; Roohbakhsh, Ali; Allahtavakoli, Mohammad; Shamsizadeh, Ali

2010-02-03

Valeriana officinalis L. (valerian) root extract has been used as an antiepileptic herbal medicine in Iran. In the present study the effect of valerian extracts on an experimental model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was evaluated. Moreover, the involvement of adenosine system in the actions of aqueous extract of valerian was evaluated. Bipolar stimulating and monopolar recording electrodes were implanted stereotaxically in the right basolateral amygdala of male Sprague-Dawley rats. After kindling, the effect of aqueous (200, 500 and 800 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) and petroleum ether (PE; 50 and 100mg/kg; intraperitoneal) extracts of valerian and CPT (selective A(1) receptor antagonist; 10 and 20 microM; intracerebroventricular) on afterdischarge duration (ADD), duration of stage 5 seizure (S5D) and latency to the onset of bilateral forelimb clonuses (S4L) were measured. The effect of CPT (10 microM) on the response of aqueous extract of valerian (500 mg/kg) was also determined. The results showed that aqueous extract of valerian had anticonvulsant effect. However, PE extract and CPT (20 microM) had proconvulsant effect. Administration of CPT (10 microM) before the administration of aqueous extract decreased the anticonvulsant effect of valerian. The results showed significant anticonvulsant effect for aqueous but not PE extract of valerian. Moreover, CPT as a selective adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist decreased the anticonvulsant effect of valerian aqueous extract. Therefore, we concluded that part of anticonvulsant effect of valerian probably is mediated through activation of adenosine system. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Midazolam as an anticonvulsant antidote for organophosphate intoxication− A pharmacotherapeutic appraisal

PubMed Central

Reddy, Sandesh D.; Reddy, Doodipala Samba

2015-01-01

SUMMARY Objective This review summarizes the therapeutic potential of midazolam as an anticonvulsant antidote for organophosphate (OP) intoxication. Methods Benzodiazepines are widely used for acute seizures and status epilepticus (SE), a neurological emergency of persistent seizures that can lead to severe neuronal damage or death. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic with a rapid onset and short duration of action. Results Midazolam is considered the new drug of choice for persistent acute seizures and SE, including those caused by neurotoxic OPs and nerve agents. Midazolam is a positive allosteric modulator of synaptic GABA-A receptors in the brain. It potentiates GABAergic inhibition and thereby controls hyperexcitability and seizures. Midazolam is administered intravenously or intramuscularly to control acute seizures and SE. Due to its favorable pharmacokinetic features, midazolam is being considered as a replacement anticonvulsant for diazepam in the antidote kit for nerve agents. Clinical studies such as the recent RAMPART trial have confirmed the anticonvulsant efficacy of midazolam in SE in prehospital settings. Significance In experimental models, midazolam is effective when given at the onset of seizures caused by nerve agents. However, benzodiazepines are less effective at terminating seizures when given 30 min or later after OP exposure or seizure onset likely because of internalization or down-regulation of synaptic, but not extrasynaptic, GABA-A receptors, which can lead to diminished potency and seizure recurrence. PMID:26032507

Use of anticonvulsants as prophylaxis for seizures in patients on clozapine.

PubMed

Caetano, Dorgival

2014-02-01

The aim of this study is to conduct a critical review of the literature regarding the use of anticonvulsants in the prophylaxis of clozapine-induced seizures, to examine the relationship of the latter with clozapine daily dose, serum concentration and other factors than dosage that effect clozapine blood concentration, and to make recommendations for the management of clozapine-induced seizures. A systematic review of English-language MEDLINE articles was undertaken. Clozapine-induced seizures may occur at any dose; the risk increases with dose and goes up to 4% at ≥ 600 mg/day. Some authors have advocated that patients on that dose regimen have anticonvulsant added as a primary prophylactic measure. The author discusses the pitfalls of this recommendation and highlights that seizures are better predicted from serum concentration (1300 ng/ml) rather than dose alone, and that serum concentration is strongly influenced by sex, age, smoking habit, drug-drug interactions and variations in the 1A2, 2D6 and 3A4 genotypes. Anticonvulsants are not recommended as a primary prophylaxis for clozapine-induced seizures. When deemed necessary as secondary prophylaxis, the clinician's choice should consider drug-drug interactions that may increase/decrease clozapine serum concentration and lead to more side effects, including neutropenia/agranulocytosis and seizures, or compromise therapeutic response. Recommendations for primary and secondary prophylaxis of clozapine related-seizures are provided.

Anticonvulsants or Antidepressants in Combination Pharmacotherapy for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Guan, Jia; Tanaka, Shiro; Kawakami, Koji

2016-08-01

To investigate the efficacy of anticonvulsants or antidepressants in combination pharmacotherapy for treatment of neuropathic pain in cancer patients. We systematically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials for randomized controlled trials that compared anticonvulsants or antidepressants in combination pharmacotherapy (experimental group) with treatments without anticonvulsants or antidepressants (control group) for neuropathic pain in cancer patients. Risk of bias was evaluated in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The primary outcome was a mean difference (MD) in change in global pain analyzed by a random-effects model. Eight trials met the inclusion criteria with a total of 1359 participants of whom 698 received an experimental intervention. The MD in change in global pain suggested a favorable association with anticonvulsants or antidepressants in combination pharmacotherapy compared with control groups (MD, -0.41; 95% confidence interval, -0.70 to -0.12) with no heterogeneity across trials (I=0%). The MD in change estimated in all sensitivity analyses ranged from -0.36 to -0.47, suggesting that these effects were consistent across different study designs and statistical assumptions. Anticonvulsants or antidepressants in combination pharmacotherapy reduce neuropathic pain in cancer patients compared with treatments without anticonvulsants or antidepressants. Limited evidence precludes a recommendation on specific adjuvants in combination pharmacotherapy.

Do carbamazepine, gabapentin, or other anticonvulsants exert sufficient radioprotective effects to alter responses from trigeminal neuralgia radiosurgery?

PubMed

Flickinger, John C; Kim, Hyun; Kano, Hideyuki; Greenberger, Joel S; Arai, Yoshio; Niranjan, Ajay; Lunsford, L Dade; Kondziolka, Douglas; Flickinger, John C

2012-07-15

Laboratory studies have documented radioprotective effects with carbamazepine. We sought to determine whether carbamazepine or other anticonvulsant/neuroleptic drugs would show significant radioprotective effects in patients undergoing high-dose small-volume radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia. We conducted a retrospective review of 200 patients undergoing Gamma Knife (Elekta Instrument AB, Stockholm, Sweden) stereotactic radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia between February 1995 and May 2008. We selected patients treated with a maximum dose of 80 Gy with 4-mm diameter collimators, with no previous microvascular decompression, and follow-up ≥6 months (median, 24 months; range, 6-153 months). At the time of radiosurgery, 28 patients were taking no anticonvulsants, 62 only carbamazepine, 35 only gabapentin, 21 carbamazepine plus gabapentin, 17 carbamazepine plus other anticonvulsants, and 9 gabapentin plus other anticonvulsants, and 28 were taking other anticonvulsants or combinations. Pain improvement developed post-radiosurgery in 187 of 200 patients (93.5%). Initial complete pain relief developed in 84 of 200 patients (42%). Post-radiosurgery trigeminal neuropathy developed in 27 of 200 patients (13.5%). We could not significantly correlate pain improvement or initial complete pain relief with use of carbamazepine, gabapentin, or use of any anticonvulsants/neuroleptic drugs or other factors in univariate or multivariate analysis. Post-radiosurgery numbness/paresthesias correlated with the use of gabapentin (1 of 36 patients with gabapentin vs. 7 of 28 without, p = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, decreasing age, purely typical pain, and use of gabapentin correlated (p = 0.008, p = 0.005, and p = 0.021) with lower risks of developing post-radiosurgery trigeminal neuropathy. New post-radiosurgery numbness/paresthesias developed in 3% (1 of 36), 5% (4 of 81), and 13% (23 of 187) of patients on gabapentin alone, with age ≤70 years, and Type 1 typical

Do Carbamazepine, Gabapentin, or Other Anticonvulsants Exert Sufficient Radioprotective Effects to Alter Responses From Trigeminal Neuralgia Radiosurgery?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Flickinger, John C.; College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Kim, Hyun

2012-07-15

Purpose: Laboratory studies have documented radioprotective effects with carbamazepine. We sought to determine whether carbamazepine or other anticonvulsant/neuroleptic drugs would show significant radioprotective effects in patients undergoing high-dose small-volume radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia. Methods and Materials: We conducted a retrospective review of 200 patients undergoing Gamma Knife (Elekta Instrument AB, Stockholm, Sweden) stereotactic radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia between February 1995 and May 2008. We selected patients treated with a maximum dose of 80 Gy with 4-mm diameter collimators, with no previous microvascular decompression, and follow-up {>=}6 months (median, 24 months; range, 6-153 months). At the time of radiosurgery, 28 patientsmore » were taking no anticonvulsants, 62 only carbamazepine, 35 only gabapentin, 21 carbamazepine plus gabapentin, 17 carbamazepine plus other anticonvulsants, and 9 gabapentin plus other anticonvulsants, and 28 were taking other anticonvulsants or combinations. Results: Pain improvement developed post-radiosurgery in 187 of 200 patients (93.5%). Initial complete pain relief developed in 84 of 200 patients (42%). Post-radiosurgery trigeminal neuropathy developed in 27 of 200 patients (13.5%). We could not significantly correlate pain improvement or initial complete pain relief with use of carbamazepine, gabapentin, or use of any anticonvulsants/neuroleptic drugs or other factors in univariate or multivariate analysis. Post-radiosurgery numbness/paresthesias correlated with the use of gabapentin (1 of 36 patients with gabapentin vs. 7 of 28 without, p = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, decreasing age, purely typical pain, and use of gabapentin correlated (p = 0.008, p = 0.005, and p = 0.021) with lower risks of developing post-radiosurgery trigeminal neuropathy. New post-radiosurgery numbness/paresthesias developed in 3% (1 of 36), 5% (4 of 81), and 13% (23 of 187) of patients on gabapentin alone

Canine Pancreas-Specific Lipase and C-reactive Protein in Dogs Treated With Anticonvulsants (Phenobarbital and Potassium Bromide).

PubMed

Albarracín, Viviana; Teles, Mariana; Meléndez-Lazo, Antonio; Rodón, Jaume; Pastor, Josep

2015-06-01

Animals treated with anticonvulsant drugs may have increased canine pancreas-specific lipase (cPLI) values. Inflammatory conditions and specifically acute pancreatitis are of major concern in these animals. Elevation in C-reactive protein is being associated with inflammatory status in dogs and it has been correlated with the clinical severity of pancreatitis. In the present study, we investigated if there is a correlation between the cPLI increase, changes in C-reactive protein and hepatic enzymes, as well as the incidence of severe acute pancreatitis (AP) in dogs with anticonvulsant treatment (phenobarbital, or potassium bromide or both). Increased values of pancreas-specific lipase were found in 6.8% of the animals in treatment with anticonvulsants, and this increase is correlated with the increase in triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase but not with C-reactive protein levels, which suggests a possible induction or release phenomenon rather than a clear severe AP. C-reactive protein levels did not affect cPLI values on the population studied. Only 2 animals had clinical and analytical data suggestive of AP, indicating a low prevalence (0.6%). In conclusion, cPLI may be increased in a low percentage of animals with anticonvulsants treatment and its increase may not be associated with severe AP. It may be induced by the anticonvulsants drugs; however, further studies are advised to rule out other possible causes that increased cPLI. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SYNTHESIS AND STUDY OF HALOGENATED BENZYLAMIDES OF SOME ISOCYCLIC AND HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS AS POTENTIAL ANTICONVULSANTS.

PubMed

Strupińska, Marzanna; Rostafińska-Suchar, Grażyna; Pirianowicz-Chaber, Elżbieta; Grabczuk, Mateusz; Józwenko, Magdalena; Kowalczyk, Hubert; Szuba, Joanna; Wójcicka, Monika; Chen, Tracy; Mazurek, Aleksander P

2015-01-01

A series of potential anticonvulsants have been synthesized. There are eight fluorobenzylamides and three chlorobenzylamides of isocyclic or heterocyclic acids. Two not halogenated benzylamides were also synthesized to compare the effect of halogenation. The aim of the research performed was to evaluate whether halogenation of the mother structure is able to improve its anticonvulsant activity. The compounds were tested in Anticonvulsant Screening Project (ASP) of Antiepileptic Drug Development Program (ADDP) of NIH. Compound 1 showed MES ED50 = 80.32 mg/kg, PI = 3.16. Compound 7 showed CKM ED50 = 56.72 mg/kg. Compound 8 showed MES ED50 = 34.23 mg/kg and scPTZ ED50 > 300 mg/kg, PI = 8.53.Compound 13 showed 6Hz ED50 = 78.96, PI = 3.37. The results indicate that fluorination does not improve activity, whereas chlorination in our experiment even reduces it.

Anticonvulsant effect of AMP by direct activation of adenosine A1 receptor.

PubMed

Muzzi, Mirko; Coppi, Elisabetta; Pugliese, Anna Maria; Chiarugi, Alberto

2013-12-01

Purinergic neurotransmission mediated by adenosine (Ado) type 1 receptors (A1Rs) plays pivotal roles in negative modulation of epileptic seizures, and Ado is thought to be a key endogenous anticonvulsant. Recent evidence, however, indicates that AMP, the metabolic precursor of Ado, also activate A1Rs. Here, we evaluated the antiepileptic effects of AMP adopting in vitro and in vivo models of epilepsy. We report that AMP reversed the increase in population spike (PS) amplitude and the decrease in PS latency induced by a Mg(2+)-free extracellular solution in CA1 neurons of mouse hippocampal slices. The AMP effects were inhibited by the A1R antagonist DPCPX, but not prevented by inhibiting conversion of AMP into Ado, indicating that AMP inhibited per se sustained hippocampal excitatory neurotransmission by directly activating A1Rs. AMP also reduced seizure severity and mortality in a model of audiogenic convulsion. Of note, the anticonvulsant effects of AMP were potentiated by preventing its conversion into Ado and inhibited by DPCPX. When tested in a model of kainate-induced seizure, AMP prolonged latency of convulsions but had no effects on seizure severity and mortality. Data provide the first evidence that AMP is an endogenous anticonvulsant acting at A1Rs. © 2013.

Involvement of ATP-sensitive potassium channels and the opioid system in the anticonvulsive effect of zolpidem in mice.

PubMed

Sheikhi, Mehdi; Shirzadian, Armin; Dehdashtian, Amir; Amiri, Shayan; Ostadhadi, Sattar; Ghasemi, Mehdi; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2016-09-01

Zolpidem is a hypnotic medication that mainly exerts its function through activating γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors. There is some evidence that zolpidem may have anticonvulsive effects. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect have not been elucidated yet. In the present study, we used the pentylentetrazole (PTZ)-induced generalized seizure model in mice to investigate whether zolpidem can affect seizure threshold. We also further evaluated the roles of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels as well as μ-opioid receptors in the effects of zolpidem on seizure threshold. Our data showed that zolpidem in a dose-dependent manner increased the PTZ-induced seizure threshold. The noneffective (i.e., did not significantly alter the PTZ-induced seizure threshold by itself) doses of KATP channel blocker (glibenclamide) and nonselective opioid receptor antagonist (naloxone) were able to inhibit the anticonvulsive effect of zolpidem. Additionally, noneffective doses of either KATP channel opener (cromakalim) or nonselective μ-opioid receptor agonist (morphine) in combination with a noneffective dose of zolpidem exerted a significant anticonvulsive effect on PTZ-induced seizures in mice. A combination of noneffective doses of naloxone and glibenclamide, which separately did not affect zolpidem effect on seizure threshold, inhibited the anticonvulsive effects of zolpidem. These results suggest a role for KATP channels and the opioid system, alone or in combination, in the anticonvulsive effects of zolpidem. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anticonvulsant serotonergic and deep brain stimulation in anterior thalamus.

PubMed

Mirski, Marek A; Ziai, Wendy C; Chiang, Jason; Hinich, Melvin; Sherman, David

2009-01-01

Anterior thalamus (AN) has been shown to mediate seizures in both focal and generalized models. Specific regional increase in AN serotonergic activity was observed following AN-DBS in our pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) rodent model of acute seizures, and this increase may inhibit seizures and contribute to the mechanism of anticonvulsant DBS. Anesthetized rats with AN-directed dialysis cannula with scalp/depth EEG were infused with PTZ at 5.5mg/(kg min) until an EEG seizure occurred. Eight experimental groups of AN-dialysis infusion were evaluated: controls (dialysate-only), 10 and 100 microM serotonin 5-HT(7) agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), 1, 10 and 100 microM serotonin antagonist methysergide (METH), AN-DBS, and 100 microM METH+AN-DBS. Latency for seizures in control animals was 3,120+/-770 s (S.D.); AN-DBS delayed onset to 5018+/-1100 (p<0.01). AN-directed 5-CT increased latency in dose-dependent fashion: 3890+/-430 and 4247+/-528 (p<0.05). Methysergide had an unexpected protective effect at low-dose (3908+/-550, p<0.05) but not at 100 microM (2687+/-1079). The anticonvulsant action of AN-DBS was blocked by prior dialysis using 100 microM METH. Surface EEG burst count and nonlinear analysis (H-Statistic) noted significant (p<0.05) increased pre-ictal epileptiform bursts in 5-CT, methysergide, but not DBS group compared to control. Increased serotonergic activity in AN raised PTZ seizure threshold, similar to DBS, but without preventing cortical bursting. 5-Carboxamidotryptamine, a 5-HT(7) agonist, demonstrated dose-dependent seizure inhibition. Methysergide proved to have an inverse, dose-dependent agonist property, antagonizing the action of AN-DBS at the highest dose. Anticonvulsant AN-DBS may in part act to selectively alter serotonin neurotransmission to raise seizure threshold.

Association of anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome with Herpesvirus 6, 7.

PubMed

Oskay, Tuğba; Karademir, Asli; Ertürk, Ozcan I

2006-07-01

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) is one of the most severe forms of drug eruption with potentially lethal, and multiorgan involvement. Recently, it has been suggested that Human Herpesvirus (HHV) infection has been involved in this syndrome, although the pathogenesis of this syndrome remains still unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of AHS and the possible role of viral infection as a co-factor. We prospectively analyzed clinical, laboratory and virological findings for 23 cases of AHS. A viral study including viral serology and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. The most common anticonvulsant was carbamazepine (12) followed by phenytoin (6), phenobarbital (4) and gabapentin (1). All patients met fulfill the clinical criteria of AHS. Even though internal organ involvement such as liver (52%), kidney (34%), and lung (13%) has been observed, involvement of heart, lung, thyroid, muscle, pancreas, spleen, and brain was less frequent. We also noted two patients who died due to multiorgan failure. No association with viral infection including HSV, VZV, HHV-8, CMV, EBV, measles, rubella and parvovirus B19 was detected in the current series. Increased serum anti-HHV-6 IgG and HHV-7 titers and presence of HHV-6 and -7 DNA in serum, revealed by PCR analysis, suggested reactivation of HHV-6. In contrast to the control groups, DNA for HHV-6 was detected in serum in 5 out of the 23 patients while HHV-7 was seen in two patients. We found an evidence to link reactivation of HHV-6 or HHV-7 in the development of only carbamazepine-induced AHS. We propose that some cases of AHS are accompanied by reactivation of not only HHV-6 but also HHV-7. HHV infection may contribute to the severity, prolongation, or relapse of AHS and may possibly have fatal consequences in some susceptible individuals receiving the anticonvulsants.

Anticonvulsant effect of minocycline on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure in mice: involvement of nitric oxide and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.

PubMed

Amini-Khoei, Hossein; Kordjazy, Nastaran; Haj-Mirzaian, Arya; Amiri, Shayan; Haj-Mirzaian, Arvin; Shirzadian, Armin; Hasanvand, Amin; Balali-Dehkordi, Shima; Hassanipoor, Mahsa; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2018-03-20

Anticonvulsant effects of minocycline have been explored recently. This study was designed to examine the anticonvulsant effect of acute administration of minocycline on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in mouse considering the possible role of nitric oxide (NO)/NMDA pathway. We induced seizure using intravenous administration of PTZ. Our results showed that acute administration of minocycline increased the seizure threshold. Furthermore, co-administration of sub-effective doses of the non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME (10 mg/kg) and the neuronal NOS inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (40 mg/kg) enhanced the anticonvulsant effect of sub-effective dose of minocycline (40 mg/kg). We found that inducible NOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg), had no effect on the anti-seizure effect of minocycline. Moreover, L-arginine (60 mg/kg), as a NOS substrate, reduced the anticonvulsant effect of minocycline. We also demonstrated that pretreatment with NMDA receptor antagonists, ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) and MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg) increased the anticonvulsant effect of sub-effective dose of minocycline. Results showed that minocycline significantly decreased the hippocampal nitrite level. Furthermore, co-administration of nNOS inhibitor like NMDA receptor antagonists augmented the effect of minocycline on the hippocampal nitrite level. In conclusion, we revealed that anticonvulsant effect of minocycline might be, at least in part, due to decline in constitutive hippocampal nitric oxide activity as well as inhibition of NMDA receptors.

Synthesis, anticonvulsant, sedative and anxiolytic activities of novel annulated pyrrolo[1,4]benzodiazepines.

PubMed

Sorra, Kumaraswamy; Chen, Chien-Shu; Chang, Chi-Fen; Pusuluri, Srinivas; Mukkanti, Khagga; Wu, Chi-Rei; Chuang, Ta-Hsien

2014-09-18

Four new pentacyclic benzodiazepine derivatives (PBDTs 13-16) were synthesized by conventional thermal heating and microwave-assisted intramolecular cyclocondensation. Their anticonvulsant, sedative and anxiolytic activities were evaluated by drug-induced convulsion models, a pentobarbital-induced hypnotic model and an elevated plus maze in mice. PBDT 13, a triazolopyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-8-one fused with a thiadiazolone ring, exhibited the best anticonvulsant, sedative and anxiolytic effects in our tests. There was no significant difference in potency between PBDT 13 and diazepam, and we proposed that the action mechanism of PBDT 13 could be similar to that of diazepam via benzodiazepine receptors.

Aniracetam reverses the anticonvulsant action of NBQX and GYKI 52466 in DBA/2 mice.

PubMed

Chapman, A G; al-Zubaidy, Z; Meldrum, B S

1993-02-09

Aniracetam (1-p-anisoyl-2-pyrrolidinone) selectively reverses the anticonvulsant activities of the non-NMDA receptor antagonists, GYKI 52466 (1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H-2,3- benzodiazepine.HCl) and, to a lesser extent, NBQX (2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(F)quinoxaline), without affecting the anticonvulsant activity of the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, D(-)-CPPene, in DBA/2 mice. Pretreatment with aniracetam (50 nmol i.c.v., 15 min before drugs) increases the ED50 values (mumol/kg i.p., 15 min) for GYKI 52466-induced protection against sound-induced clonic seizures in DBA/2 mice 7 fold, from 20.1 (11.9-33.9) to 142 (91.7-219), and for NBQX-induced protection 2 fold, from 39.7 (33.8-46.7) to 85.6 (63.9-115), respectively. Aniracetam on its own (12.5-100 nmol i.c.v.) has no convulsant activity, but reverses the anticonvulsant effect of GYKI 52466 (60 mumol/kg i.p., 15 min) in a dose-dependent manner.

The effect of various opiate receptor agonists on the seizure threshold in the rat. Is dynorphin an endogenous anticonvulsant?

PubMed

Przewłocka, B; Stala, L; Lasoń, W; Przewłocki, R

1983-01-01

The effects of various opiate receptor agonists on the seizure threshold after an intravenous infusion of pentylenetetrazol were investigated in rats. The mu- and epsilon-receptor agonists, morphine (20-40 micrograms) and beta-endorphin (5-10 micrograms) show proconvulsant properties towards clonic and tonic seizures. The delta-receptor agonist (D-Ala2,D-Leu5-enkephalin, DADL 5-40 micrograms) and alpha-neoendorphin (20-40 micrograms) show pro- and anticonvulsant properties towards clonic and tonic seizures, respectively. Anticonvulsant properties of DADL are possibly due to its action on the spinal cord, since after the intrathecal injection this effect is still observed. Similarities between DADL and alpha-neoendorphin suggest that they may act through the same receptor. The kappa-receptor agonist dynorphin A (5-20 micrograms) and its degradation-resistant analogue D-Arg-dynorphin1-13 (10 micrograms) show significant anticonvulsant properties. Our present results suggest that the kappa-receptor agonist dynorphin may act physiologically as an endogenous anticonvulsant, in contrast to other opioid peptides.

QSAR Study and Molecular Design of Open-Chain Enaminones as Anticonvulsant Agents

PubMed Central

Garro Martinez, Juan C.; Duchowicz, Pablo R.; Estrada, Mario R.; Zamarbide, Graciela N.; Castro, Eduardo A.

2011-01-01

Present work employs the QSAR formalism to predict the ED50 anticonvulsant activity of ringed-enaminones, in order to apply these relationships for the prediction of unknown open-chain compounds containing the same types of functional groups in their molecular structure. Two different modeling approaches are applied with the purpose of comparing the consistency of our results: (a) the search of molecular descriptors via multivariable linear regressions; and (b) the calculation of flexible descriptors with the CORAL (CORrelation And Logic) program. Among the results found, we propose some potent candidate open-chain enaminones having ED50 values lower than 10 mg·kg−1 for corresponding pharmacological studies. These compounds are classified as Class 1 and Class 2 according to the Anticonvulsant Selection Project. PMID:22272137

An audit of therapeutic drug monitoring of anticonvulsants.

PubMed Central

Sharpe, P. C.; Morrow, J.; Trimble, E. R.

1995-01-01

An audit of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of anticonvulsants was performed to assess both its use and misuse in the management of patients with epilepsy. Over a four week period all samples received for phenytoin, carbamazepine, sodium valproate and phenobarbitone assays were included in the audit. The aims were to establish the source of the specimens, the reasons for the requests and to ascertain what action, if any, would be taken when the result of the assay was provided. A total of 163 separate assays were performed over the four week period (43 phenytoin, 74 carbamazepine, 41 valproate, 5 phenobarbitone). Only 18.7% of all requests originated from the adult neurology department. The vast majority of tests had been ordered by junior medical staff (only 10% by consultants) and approximately 50% were 'routine' with no satisfactory clinical reason for the request offered. There was a tendency to manipulate prescribed doses on the basis of drug levels alone without taking the clinical picture into consideration. These results demonstrate a general ignorance, especially amongst junior medical staff, of the value of TDM of anticonvulsants, and reinforce the need for both an educative and interpretive service to be provided by the Chemical Pathology Department. PMID:8533181

Anticonvulsive effects of endocannabinoids; an investigation to determine the role of regulatory components of endocannabinoid metabolism in the Pentylenetetrazol induced tonic- clonic seizures.

PubMed

Zareie, Parisa; Sadegh, Mehdi; Palizvan, Mohammad Reza; Moradi-Chameh, Homeira

2018-06-01

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide are two major endocannabinoids produced, released and eliminated by metabolic pathways. Anticonvulsive effect of 2-AG and CB1 receptor is well-established. Herein, we designed to investigate the anticonvulsive influence of key components of the 2-AG and anandamide metabolism. Tonic-clonic seizures were induced by an injection of Pentylenetetrazol (80 mg/kg, i.p.) in adult male Wistar rats. Delay and duration for the seizure stages were considered for analysis. Monoacylglycerol lipase blocker (JJKK048; 1 mg/kg) or alpha/beta hydroxylase domain 6 blocker (WWL70; 5 mg/kg) were administrated alone or with 2-AG to evaluate the anticonvulsive potential of these enzymes. To determine the CB1 receptor involvement, its blocker (MJ15; 3 mg/kg) was administrated associated with JJKK048 or WWL70. To assess anandamide anticonvulsive effect, anandamide membrane transporter blocker (LY21813240; 2.5 mg/kg) was used alone or associated with MJ15. Also, fatty acid amide hydrolase blocker (URB597; 1 mg/kg; to prevent intracellular anandamide hydrolysis) were used alone or with AMG21629 (transient receptor potential vanilloid; TRPV1 antagonist; 3 mg/kg). All compounds were dissolved in DMSO and injected i.p., before the Pentylenetetrazol. Both JJKK048 and WWL70 revealed anticonvulsive effect. Anticonvulsive effect of JJKK048 but not WWL70 was CB1 receptor dependent. LY2183240 showed CB1 receptor dependent anticonvulsive effect. However, URB597 revealed a TRPV1 dependent proconvulsive effect. It seems extracellular accumulation of 2-AG or anandamide has anticonvulsive effect through the CB1 receptor, while intracellular anandamide accumulation is proconvulsive through TRPV1.

The effects of lithium and anticonvulsants on brain structure in bipolar disorder.

PubMed

Germaná, C; Kempton, M J; Sarnicola, A; Christodoulou, T; Haldane, M; Hadjulis, M; Girardi, P; Tatarelli, R; Frangou, S

2010-12-01

To investigate the effect of lithium, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics on brain structure in bipolar disorder (BD). A cross-sectional structural brain magnetic resonance imaging study of 74 remitted patients with BD, aged 18-65, who were receiving long-term prophylactic treatment with lithium or anticonvulsants or antipsychotics. Global and regional grey matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid volumes were compared between treatment groups. Grey matter in the subgenual anterior cingulate gyrus on the right (extending into the hypothalamus) and in the postcentral gyrus, the hippocampus/amygdale complex and the insula on the left was greater in BD patients on lithium treatment compared to all other treatment groups. Lithium treatment in BD has a significant effect on brain structure particularly in limbic/paralimbic regions associated with emotional processing. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Screening of the anticonvulsant activity of some plants from Fabaceae family in experimental seizure models in mice

PubMed Central

Sayyah, M.; Khodaparast, A.; Yazdi, A.; Sardari, S.

2011-01-01

Background and purpose of the study Fabaceae is the third largest family of flowering plants. Lack of essential oils in the plants of this family can be an advantage in search for safe and effective medicines. In this study the anticonvulsant effect of the leaves of Albizzia julibrissin, Acacia juliflora, Acacia nubica and aerial parts of Astragalus obtusifolius was evaluated in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and maximal electroshock (MES) seizure tests. Methods The hydroalcoholic extracts of the plants were obtained by percolation. Different doses of the extracts were injected to the mice intraperitoneally (i.p.) and occurrence of clonic seizures induced by PTZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) or tonic seizures induced by MES (50 mA, 50Hz, 1sec) were monitored up to 30 min after administration. Acute toxicity of the extracts was also assessed. The safe and effective extract was then fractionated by dichloromethane and anticonvulsant activity of the fractions was determined. Finally, the constituents of the extract and the fractions were screened by thin layer chromatography. Results Among the extracts, only A. obtusifolius extract showed low toxicity and protective effect against clonic seizures with ED50 value of 3.97 g/kg. Fractionation of the extract led to increase in anticonvulsant activity and ED50 value of 2.86 g/kg was obtained for the aqueous fraction. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, anthrones and saponins in the aqueous fraction. Major conclusion The presence of anticonvulsant compounds in A. obtusifolius suggests further activity-guided fractionation and analytical studies to find out the potential of this plant as a source of anticonvulsant agent. PMID:22615673

Anticonvulsant activity of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose isolated from leaves of Mangifera indica.

PubMed

Viswanatha, G L; Mohan, C G; Shylaja, H; Yuvaraj, H C; Sunil, V

2013-07-01

The present study was aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose (PGG) isolated from methanolic leaf extracts of Mangifera indica in mice. Anticonvulsant activity of PGG was evaluated against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced and maximal electroshock (MES)-induced convulsions in mice. Additionally, locomotor activity and GABA levels in the brain were estimated to explore the possible CNS-depressant activity and mechanism behind the anticonvulsant activity, respectively. In these studies, PGG (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) showed significant and dose-dependent inhibition of PTZ and MES-induced convulsions. Furthermore, PGG administration showed significant decrease in the locomotor activity as an indication of its CNS-depressant property; also, PGG has significantly increased the GABA levels in the cerebellum and whole brain other than the cerebellum. In conclusion, PGG isolated from M. indica showed potent anticonvulsant activity, and possible mechanism may be due to enhanced GABA levels in the brain.

Mechanisms underlying the benefits of anticonvulsants over lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

PubMed

Corrado, Alisa C; Walsh, John P

2016-02-10

Close to 3% of the world's population suffers from bipolar disease (I and II). Of this 3%, bipolar disease affects largely women (∼ 3 : 2 compared with men). The median age of diagnosis is 25 in women and even lower in men. A diagnosis of bipolar disease is an expensive psychiatric diagnosis, costing patients more than twice as much money as a diagnosis of unipolar depression. Bipolar I is characterized by one or more manic or mixed episodes, with both mania and depression occurring each day for at least 1 week, whereas bipolar II is characterized by one or more major depressive episode and at least one episode of hypomania. Bipolar I is the more severe diagnosis. A wide range of medications are available to help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle, including lithium, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. Improved methods for identifying bipolar disease, including a more structured approach and a more complete use of medical records, have increased the rate of diagnosis, especially in children, which underscores the need for innovation in development and in practice of new treatment options for treating bipolar disease. Although lithium has been the 'gold standard' for treating bipolar disorder for decades, new research into other forms of treatment has shown anticonvulsants to be a particularly useful therapy for treating bipolar disease. Anticonvulsants have remarkable mood-stabilization abilities and they do not lead to serious side effects, which increases the tolerability, and consequently, patient adherence to this form of treatment. Recent studies have shown that anticonvulsants improve behavior in bipolar disease by modulating the balance of excitatory and inhibitory synapses through a number of complementary molecular cascades that affect gene expression and cell survival.

Anticonvulsant Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Citrullus colocynthis Fruit: Involvement of Benzodiazepine and Opioid Receptors.

PubMed

Mehrzadi, Saeed; Shojaii, Asie; Pur, Sogol Attari; Motevalian, Manijeh

2016-10-01

This study investigated the anticonvulsant activity of Citrullus colocynthis fruit extract used traditionally in the treatment of convulsion. Albino mice were pretreated with extract in different doses (10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg), prior to injection of pentylenetetrazole. Animals received pretreatments with naloxone and flumazenil to further clarify the mechanisms of anticonvulsant action. The total flavonoid content of Citrullus colocynthis extract was also determined. Citrullus colocynthis hydroalcoholic extract with doses 25 and 50 mg/kg prolonged the onset of seizures and decreased the duration compared with control group. Pretreatment by flumazenil could inhibit the effect of Citrullus colocynthis on latency of seizure to some extent and administration of naloxone significantly inhibited changes in latency and duration of seizure produced by Citrullus colocynthis This study showed that Citrullus colocynthis has significant anticonvulsant effect in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice, and these effects may be related to its effect on γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic and opioid systems. These results confirmed the traditional use of Citrullus colocynthis in Iranian traditional medicine. © The Author(s) 2015.

Evidence for involvement of the astrocytic benzodiazepine receptor in the mechanism of action of convulsant and anticonvulsant drugs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bender, A.S.; Hertz, L.

1988-01-01

The anticonvulsant drugs carbamazepine, phenobarbital, trimethadione, valproic acid and ethosuximide at pharmacologically relevant concentrations inhibit (/sup 3/H)diazepam binding to astrocytes in primary cultures but have much less effect on a corresponding preparation of neurons. Phenytoin as well as pentobarbital (which is not used chronically as an anticonvulsant) are equipotent in the two cell types. The convulsants picrotoxinin and pentylenetetrazol, the convulsant benzodiazepine RO 5-3663 and the two convulsant barbiturates DMBB and CHEB similarly inhibit diazepam binding to astrocytes but have little effect on neurons. On the basis of these findings it is suggested that these convulsants and anticonvulsants owe atmore » least part of their effect to an interaction with the astrocytic benzodiazepine receptor, perhaps by interference with a calcium channel.« less

Creatine Revealed Anticonvulsant Properties on Chemically and Electrically Induced Seizures in Mice.

PubMed

Shafaroodi, Hamed; Shahbek, Farnaz; Faizi, Mehrdad; Ebrahimi, Farzad; Moezi, Leila

2016-01-01

Creatine exerts beneficial effects on a variety of pathologies in which energy metabolism and oxidative stress play an etiological role. Creatine supplements have shown beneficial effects on neurological disorders including Parkinson׳s disease, Huntington›s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as Alzheimer›s disease and stroke. However, the potential benefits of creatine for patients with convulsive disorders remain poorly defined. While some authors did not suggest any anti- or pro-convulsant roles for creatine treatment, others suggest that creatine may be an anticonvulsant agent. In this study, we investigated the effects of creatine on seizures in mice. Three models were used to explore the role of creatine on seizures in mice including intravenous pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), intraperitoneal PTZ, and electroshock models. Acute creatine treatment (10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/Kg) significantly increased the clonic seizure threshold in the intravenous PTZ model. Sub-chronic administration of creatine (10 and 20 mg/Kg) revealed a significant anticonvulsant effect in intravenous PTZ model. Acute creatine administration (10, 20 and 40 mg/Kg) significantly decreased the frequency of clonic seizures in the intraperitoneal PTZ model. Besides, acute creatine (40 and 80 mg/Kg) decreased the incidence of tonic seizures after electroshock. In conclusion, creatine exerts anticonvulsant effects in three seizure models; therefore, it may act as a potential drug to help patients with convulsions. However, further investigations should be done to clarify these results more.

Creatine Revealed Anticonvulsant Properties on Chemically and Electrically Induced Seizures in Mice

PubMed Central

Shafaroodi, Hamed; Shahbek, Farnaz; Faizi, Mehrdad; Ebrahimi, Farzad; Moezi, Leila

2016-01-01

Creatine exerts beneficial effects on a variety of pathologies in which energy metabolism and oxidative stress play an etiological role. Creatine supplements have shown beneficial effects on neurological disorders including Parkinson׳s disease, Huntington›s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as Alzheimer›s disease and stroke. However, the potential benefits of creatine for patients with convulsive disorders remain poorly defined. While some authors did not suggest any anti- or pro-convulsant roles for creatine treatment, others suggest that creatine may be an anticonvulsant agent. In this study, we investigated the effects of creatine on seizures in mice. Three models were used to explore the role of creatine on seizures in mice including intravenous pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), intraperitoneal PTZ, and electroshock models. Acute creatine treatment (10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/Kg) significantly increased the clonic seizure threshold in the intravenous PTZ model. Sub-chronic administration of creatine (10 and 20 mg/Kg) revealed a significant anticonvulsant effect in intravenous PTZ model. Acute creatine administration (10, 20 and 40 mg/Kg) significantly decreased the frequency of clonic seizures in the intraperitoneal PTZ model. Besides, acute creatine (40 and 80 mg/Kg) decreased the incidence of tonic seizures after electroshock. In conclusion, creatine exerts anticonvulsant effects in three seizure models; therefore, it may act as a potential drug to help patients with convulsions. However, further investigations should be done to clarify these results more. PMID:28243281

Cannabidivarin-rich cannabis extracts are anticonvulsant in mouse and rat via a CB1 receptor-independent mechanism

PubMed Central

Hill, T D M; Cascio, M-G; Romano, B; Duncan, M; Pertwee, R G; Williams, C M; Whalley, B J; Hill, A J

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Epilepsy is the most prevalent neurological disease and is characterized by recurrent seizures. Here, we investigate (i) the anticonvulsant profiles of cannabis-derived botanical drug substances (BDSs) rich in cannabidivarin (CBDV) and containing cannabidiol (CBD) in acute in vivo seizure models and (ii) the binding of CBDV BDSs and their components at cannabinoid CB1 receptors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The anticonvulsant profiles of two CBDV BDSs (50–422 mg·kg−1) were evaluated in three animal models of acute seizure. Purified CBDV and CBD were also evaluated in an isobolographic study to evaluate potential pharmacological interactions. CBDV BDS effects on motor function were also investigated using static beam and grip strength assays. Binding of CBDV BDSs to cannabinoid CB1 receptors was evaluated using displacement binding assays. KEY RESULTS CBDV BDSs exerted significant anticonvulsant effects in the pentylenetetrazole (≥100 mg·kg−1) and audiogenic seizure models (≥87 mg·kg−1), and suppressed pilocarpine-induced convulsions (≥100 mg·kg−1). The isobolographic study revealed that the anticonvulsant effects of purified CBDV and CBD were linearly additive when co-administered. Some motor effects of CBDV BDSs were observed on static beam performance; no effects on grip strength were found. The Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin content of CBDV BDS accounted for its greater affinity for CB1 cannabinoid receptors than purified CBDV. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS CBDV BDSs exerted significant anticonvulsant effects in three models of seizure that were not mediated by the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and were of comparable efficacy with purified CBDV. These findings strongly support the further clinical development of CBDV BDSs for the treatment of epilepsy. PMID:23902406

Behavioral and anticonvulsant effects of the standardized extract of Ficus platyphylla stem bark.

PubMed

Chindo, Ben A; Ya'U, Jamilu; Danjuma, Nuhu M; Okhale, Samuel E; Gamaniel, Karniyus S; Becker, Axel

2014-06-11

Decoctions of Ficus platyphylla Del.-Holl (Family: Moraceae) are used in Nigeria׳s folk medicine for the management of epilepsy and their efficacies are widely acclaimed among the rural communities of northern Nigeria. The aim of the study is to examine the behavioral and anticonvulsant properties of the standardized methanol extract of Ficus platyphylla (FP) stem bark, in order to scientifically describe its potential values in the management of convulsive disorders. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and preliminary phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract were utilized and the intraperitoneal median lethal dose (LD50) determined in mice. The effects of FP were investigated on some murine models of behavior and its anticonvulsant effects studied on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-, strychnine (STN)-, picrotoxin (PCT)-, isoniazid (INH)-, aminophylline (AMI)- and maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures in mice. The intraperitoneal oral LD50 of FP was estimated to be 5000mg/kg. FP significantly reduced the locomotor activities including the total distance covered, speed, active time and rearing counts. It shortened the onset and prolonged the duration of diazepam-induced sleep, but had no effect on motor coordination on the rota-rod treadmill or beam-walking assay in mice at the doses tested. The extract protected the mice against PTZ- and STN-induced seizures and significantly delayed the latencies of myoclonic jerks and tonic seizures induced by all the standard convulsant agents (PTZ, PCT, INH, STN and AMI) used in this study, but failed to protect the mice against MES seizures at the doses tested. The HPLC fingerprint of the extract shows a spectrum profile characteristic of Ficus platyphylla, while the preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids and tannins. Our study provides scientific evidence that FP may contain psychoactive principles with potential anticonvulsant properties, thus supporting further

Triheptanoin - a medium chain triglyceride with odd chain fatty acids: a new anaplerotic anticonvulsant treatment?

PubMed Central

Borges, Karin; Sonnewald, Ursula

2012-01-01

The triglyceride of heptanoate (C7 fatty acid), triheptanoin, is a tasteless oil used to treat rare metabolic disorders in USA and France. Heptanoate is metabolized by β-oxidation to provide propionyl-CoA, which after carboxylation can produce succinyl-CoA, resulting in anaplerosis – the refilling of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Heptanoate is also metabolized by the liver to the “C5 ketones”, β-ketopentanoate and/or β-hydroxypentanoate, which are released into the blood and thought to enter the brain via monocarboxylate transporters. Oral triheptanoin has recently been discovered to be reproducibly anticonvulsant in acute and chronic mouse seizures models. However, current knowledge on alterations of brain metabolism after triheptanoin administration and anaplerosis via propionyl-CoA carboxylation in the brain is limited. This review outlines triheptanoin’s unique anticonvulsant profile and its clinical potential for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy. Anaplerosis as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of epilepsy is discussed. More research is needed to elucidate the anticonvulsant mechanism of triheptanoin and to reveal its clinical potential for the treatment of epilepsy and other disorders of the brain. PMID:21855298

Chronic administration of anticonvulsants but not antidepressants impairs bone strength: clinical implications.

PubMed

Gold, P W; Pavlatou, M G; Michelson, D; Mouro, C M; Kling, M A; Wong, M-L; Licinio, J; Goldstein, S A

2015-06-02

Major depression and bipolar disorder are associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Antidepressants such as imipramine (IMIP) and specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been implicated in reduced BMD and/or fracture in older depressed patients. Moreover, anticonvulsants such as valproate (VAL) and carbamazepine (CBZ) are also known to increase fracture rates. Although BMD is a predictor of susceptibility to fracture, bone strength is a more sensitive predictor. We measured mechanical and geometrical properties of bone in 68 male Sprague Dawley rats on IMIP, fluoxetine (FLX), VAL, CBZ, CBZ vehicle and saline (SAL), given intraperitoneally daily for 8 weeks. Distinct regions were tested to failure by four-point bending, whereas load displacement was used to determine stiffness. The left femurs were scanned in a MicroCT system to calculate mid-diaphyseal moments of inertia. None of these parameters were affected by antidepressants. However, VAL resulted in a significant decrease in stiffness and a reduction in yield, and CBZ induced a decrease in stiffness. Only CBZ induced alterations in mechanical properties that were accompanied by significant geometrical changes. These data reveal that chronic antidepressant treatment does not reduce bone strength, in contrast to chronic anticonvulsant treatment. Thus, decreased BMD and increased fracture rates in older patients on antidepressants are more likely to represent factors intrinsic to depression that weaken bone rather than antidepressants per se. Patients with affective illness on anticonvulsants may be at particularly high risk for fracture, especially as they grow older, as bone strength falls progressively with age.

Chronic administration of anticonvulsants but not antidepressants impairs bone strength: clinical implications

PubMed Central

Gold, P W; Pavlatou, M G; Michelson, D; Mouro, C M; Kling, M A; Wong, M-L; Licinio, J; Goldstein, S A

2015-01-01

Major depression and bipolar disorder are associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Antidepressants such as imipramine (IMIP) and specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been implicated in reduced BMD and/or fracture in older depressed patients. Moreover, anticonvulsants such as valproate (VAL) and carbamazepine (CBZ) are also known to increase fracture rates. Although BMD is a predictor of susceptibility to fracture, bone strength is a more sensitive predictor. We measured mechanical and geometrical properties of bone in 68 male Sprague Dawley rats on IMIP, fluoxetine (FLX), VAL, CBZ, CBZ vehicle and saline (SAL), given intraperitoneally daily for 8 weeks. Distinct regions were tested to failure by four-point bending, whereas load displacement was used to determine stiffness. The left femurs were scanned in a MicroCT system to calculate mid-diaphyseal moments of inertia. None of these parameters were affected by antidepressants. However, VAL resulted in a significant decrease in stiffness and a reduction in yield, and CBZ induced a decrease in stiffness. Only CBZ induced alterations in mechanical properties that were accompanied by significant geometrical changes. These data reveal that chronic antidepressant treatment does not reduce bone strength, in contrast to chronic anticonvulsant treatment. Thus, decreased BMD and increased fracture rates in older patients on antidepressants are more likely to represent factors intrinsic to depression that weaken bone rather than antidepressants per se. Patients with affective illness on anticonvulsants may be at particularly high risk for fracture, especially as they grow older, as bone strength falls progressively with age. PMID:26035060

A successful virtual screening application: prediction of anticonvulsant activity in MES test of widely used pharmaceutical and food preservatives methylparaben and propylparaben.

PubMed

Talevi, Alan; Bellera, Carolina L; Castro, Eduardo A; Bruno-Blanch, Luis E

2007-09-01

A discriminant function based on topological descriptors was derived from a training set composed by anticonvulsants of clinical use or in clinical phase of development and compounds with other therapeutic uses. This model was internally and externally validated and applied in the virtual screening of chemical compounds from the Merck Index 13th. Methylparaben (Nipagin), a preservative widely used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutics, was signaled as active by the discriminant function and tested in mice in the Maximal Electroshock (MES) test (i.p. administration), according to the NIH Program for Anticonvulsant Drug Development. Based on the results of Methylparaben, Propylparaben (Nipasol), another preservative usually used in association with the former, was also tested. Both methyl and propylparaben were found active in mice at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg. The discovery of the anticonvulsant activities in the MES test of methylparaben and propylparaben might be useful for the development of new anticonvulsant medications, specially considering the well-known toxicological profile of these drugs.

A successful virtual screening application: prediction of anticonvulsant activity in MES test of widely used pharmaceutical and food preservatives methylparaben and propylparaben

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talevi, Alan; Bellera, Carolina L.; Castro, Eduardo A.; Bruno-Blanch, Luis E.

2007-09-01

A discriminant function based on topological descriptors was derived from a training set composed by anticonvulsants of clinical use or in clinical phase of development and compounds with other therapeutic uses. This model was internally and externally validated and applied in the virtual screening of chemical compounds from the Merck Index 13th. Methylparaben (Nipagin), a preservative widely used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutics, was signaled as active by the discriminant function and tested in mice in the Maximal Electroshock (MES) test (i.p. administration), according to the NIH Program for Anticonvulsant Drug Development. Based on the results of Methylparaben, Propylparaben (Nipasol), another preservative usually used in association with the former, was also tested. Both methyl and propylparaben were found active in mice at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg. The discovery of the anticonvulsant activities in the MES test of methylparaben and propylparaben might be useful for the development of new anticonvulsant medications, specially considering the well-known toxicological profile of these drugs.

Synthesis and evaluation of 3-[(2,4-dioxo-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.6]undec-3-yl)methyl]benzonitrile derivatives as potential anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Madaiah, Malavalli; Prashanth, Maralekere K; Revanasiddappa, Hosakere D; Veeresh, Bantal

2013-03-01

New 3-[(2,4-dioxo-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.6]undec-3-yl)methyl]benzonitrile derivatives 8-37 were synthesized and their pharmacological activities were determined with the objective to better understand their structure-activity relationship (SAR) for anticonvulsant activity. All the compounds were evaluated for their possible anticonvulsant activity by maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) test. Compounds 11, 18, 31, and 32 showed significant and protective effect on seizure, when compared with the standard drug valproate. The same compounds were found to exhibit advanced anticonvulsant activity as well as lower neurotoxicity than the reference drug. From this study, it is quite apparent that there are at least three parameters for the activity of anticonvulsant drugs, that is, a lipophilic domain, a hydrophobic center, and a two-electron donor. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Anticonvulsant Effects of Memantine and MK-801 in Guinea Pig Hippocampal Neurons.

DTIC Science & Technology

investigation we compared the anticonvulsant properties of Mem to those of MK-801 in guinea pig hippocampal slices. Extracellular recordings were...obtained from area CA1 of guinea pig hippocampal slices in a total submersion chamber at 32 deg C in normal oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF

Association between anticonvulsant drugs and teeth-grinding in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Ortega, A O L; Dos Santos, M T B R; Mendes, F M; Ciamponi, A L

2014-09-01

The relation between teeth-grinding and the use of drugs acting on the central nervous system of cerebral palsy (CP) patients has not yet been described. The aim of this research was to evaluate the presence or absence of teeth-grinding (sleep and/or awake periods) in normal and in CP children and adolescents, as well as the association of teeth-grinding and use of anticonvulsant drugs. The sample consisted of 207 children and adolescents, divided into three groups: G1, individuals with CP who did not take anticonvulsant drugs; G2, individuals with CP administered medications on a regular basis; and CG, normal individuals. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of teeth-grinding with some variables. No significant statistical differences were observed regarding the presence or absence of teeth-grinding when G1 and G2 were compared. However, compared with the CG, a statistically significant difference was determined, with the CG showing fewer children presenting teeth-grinding (P < 0·001). Among those children/adolescents prescribed drug therapy, the barbiturate group showed a greater frequency of teeth-grinding. CP children and adolescents show a greater and significant presence of grinding of the teeth compared with normal individuals. Subjects taking barbiturate drugs showed greater presence of teeth-grinding, than those who were taking medications from the other groups of anticonvulsant drugs. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Magnesium sulphate and other anticonvulsants for women with pre-eclampsia.

PubMed

Duley, Lelia; Gülmezoglu, A Metin; Henderson-Smart, David J; Chou, Doris

2010-11-10

Eclampsia, the occurrence of a seizure (fit) in association with pre-eclampsia, is rare but potentially life-threatening. Magnesium sulphate is the drug of choice for treating eclampsia. This review assesses its use for preventing eclampsia. To assess the effects of magnesium sulphate, and other anticonvulsants, for prevention of eclampsia. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (4 June 2010), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 3). Randomised trials comparing anticonvulsants with placebo or no anticonvulsant, or comparisons of different drugs, for pre-eclampsia. Two authors assessed trial quality and extracted data independently. We included 15 trials. Six (11,444 women) compared magnesium sulphate with placebo or no anticonvulsant: magnesium sulphate more than a halved the risk of eclampsia (risk ratio (RR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29 to 0.58; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 100, 95% CI 50 to 100), with a non-significant reduction in maternal death (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.10) but no clear difference in serious maternal morbidity (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.32). It reduced the risk of placental abruption (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.83; NNTB 100, 95% CI 50 to 1000), and increased caesarean section (RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.10). There was no clear difference in stillbirth or neonatal death (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.15). Side effects, primarily flushing, were more common with magnesium sulphate (24% versus 5%; RR 5.26, 95% CI 4.59 to 6.03; number need to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 6, 95% CI 5 to 6).Follow-up was reported by one trial comparing magnesium sulphate with placebo: for 3375 women there was no clear difference in death (RR 1.79, 95% CI 0.71 to 4.53) or morbidity potentially related to pre-eclampsia (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.26) (median follow-up 26 months); for 3283 children exposed in utero

Multifunctional Hybrid Compounds Derived from 2-(2,5-Dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-3-methoxypropanamides with Anticonvulsant and Antinociceptive Properties.

PubMed

Abram, Michał; Zagaja, Mirosław; Mogilski, Szczepan; Andres-Mach, Marta; Latacz, Gniewomir; Baś, Sebastian; Łuszczki, Jarogniew J; Kieć-Kononowicz, Katarzyna; Kamiński, Krzysztof

2017-10-26

The focused set of new pyrrolidine-2,5-diones as potential broad-spectrum hybrid anticonvulsants was described. These derivatives integrate on the common structural scaffold the chemical fragments of well-known antiepileptic drugs such as ethosuximide, levetiracetam, and lacosamide. Such hybrids demonstrated effectiveness in two of the most widely used animal seizure models, namely, the maximal electroshock (MES) test and the psychomotor 6 Hz (32 mA) seizure models. Compound 33 showed the highest anticonvulsant activity in these models (ED 50 MES = 79.5 mg/kg, ED 50 6 Hz = 22.4 mg/kg). Compound 33 was also found to be effective in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model (ED 50 PTZ = 123.2 mg/kg). In addition, 33 demonstrated effectiveness by decreasing pain responses in formalin-induced tonic pain, in capsaicin-induced neurogenic pain, and notably in oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain in mice. The pharmacological data of stereoisomers of compound 33 revealed greater anticonvulsant activity by R(+)-33 enantiomer in both MES and 6 Hz seizure models.

Convulsions induced by centrally administered NMDA in mice: effects of NMDA antagonists, benzodiazepines, minor tranquilizers and anticonvulsants.

PubMed Central

Moreau, J. L.; Pieri, L.; Prud'hon, B.

1989-01-01

1. Convulsions were induced reproducibly by intracerebroventricular injection of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) to conscious mice. 2. Competitive (carboxypiperazine-propylphosphonic acid, CPP; 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid, AP7) and non-competitive (MK801; phencyclidine, PCP; thienylcyclohexylpiperidine, TCP; dextrorphan; dextromethorphan) NMDA antagonists prevented NMDA-induced convulsions. 3. Benzodiazepine receptor agonists and partial agonists (triazolam, diazepam, clonazepam, Ro 16-6028), classical anticonvulsants (diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbitone, sodium valproate) and meprobamate were also found to prevent NMDA-induced convulsions. 4. Flumazenil (a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist) and the GABA agonists THIP and muscimol (up to subtoxic doses) were without effect. 5. Flumazenil reversed the anticonvulsant action of diazepam, but not that of MK801. 6. Results obtained in this model differ somewhat from those described in a seizure model with systemic administration of NMDA. An explanation for this discrepancy is offered. 7. This model is a simple test for assessing the in vivo activity of NMDA antagonists and also expands the battery of chemically-induced seizure models for characterizing anticonvulsants not acting at NMDA receptors. PMID:2574061

Computer-Aided Identification of Anticonvulsant Effect of Natural Nonnutritive Sweeteners Stevioside and Rebaudioside A

PubMed Central

Di Ianni, Mauricio E.; del Valle, Mara E.; Enrique, Andrea V.; Rosella, Mara A.; Bruno, Fiorella; Bruno-Blanch, Luis E.

2015-01-01

Abstract Steviol glycosides are natural constituents of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bert. (Asteraceae) that have recently gained worldwide approval as nonnutritive sweeteners by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives. Cheminformatic tools suggested that the aglycone steviol and several of its phase I metabolites were predicted as potential anticonvulsant agents effective in the seizure animal model maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test. Thus, aqueous infusion from S. rebaudiana was tested in the MES test (mice, intraperitoneal administration), confirming dose-dependent anticonvulsant effect. Afterward, isolated stevioside and rebaudioside A were tested in the MES test, with positive results. Though drug repositioning most often focuses on known therapeutics, this article illustrates the possibilities of this strategy to find new functionalities and therapeutic indications for food constituents and natural products. PMID:26258457

Patch testing and cross sensitivity study of adverse cutaneous drug reactions due to anticonvulsants: A preliminary report.

PubMed

Shiny, T N; Mahajan, Vikram K; Mehta, Karaninder S; Chauhan, Pushpinder S; Rawat, Ritu; Sharma, Rajni

2017-03-26

To evaluate the utility of patch test and cross-sensitivity patterns in patients with adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDR) from common anticonvulsants. Twenty-four (M:F = 13:11) patients aged 18-75 years with ACDR from anticonvulsants were patch tested 3-27 mo after complete recovery using carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, lamotrigine, and sodium valproate in 10%, 20% and 30% conc. in pet. after informed consent. Positive reactions persisting on D3 and D4 were considered significant. Clinical patterns were exanthematous drug rash with or without systemic involvement (DRESS) in 18 (75%), Stevens-Johnsons syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) overlap and TEN in 2 (8.3%) patients each, SJS and lichenoid drug eruption in 1 (4.2%) patient each, respectively. The implicated drugs were phenytoin in 14 (58.3%), carbamazepine in 9 (37.5%), phenobarbitone in 2 (8.3%), and lamotrigine in 1 (4.7%) patients, respectively. Twelve (50%) patients elicited positive reactions to implicated drugs; carbamazepine in 6 (50%), phenytoin alone in 4 (33.3%), phenobarbitone alone in 1 (8.3%), and both phenytoin and phenobarbitone in 1 (8.33%) patients, respectively. Cross-reactions occurred in 11 (92%) patients. Six patients with carbamazepine positive patch test reaction showed cross sensitivity with phenobarbitone, sodium valproate and/or lamotrigine. Three (75%) patients among positive phenytoin patch test reactions had cross reactions with phenobarbitone, lamotrigine, and/or valproate. Carbamazepine remains the commonest anticonvulsant causing ACDRs and cross-reactions with other anticonvulsants are possible. Drug patch testing appears useful in DRESS for drug imputability and cross-reactions established clinically.

Patch testing and cross sensitivity study of adverse cutaneous drug reactions due to anticonvulsants: A preliminary report

PubMed Central

Shiny, T N; Mahajan, Vikram K; Mehta, Karaninder S; Chauhan, Pushpinder S; Rawat, Ritu; Sharma, Rajni

2017-01-01

AIM To evaluate the utility of patch test and cross-sensitivity patterns in patients with adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDR) from common anticonvulsants. METHODS Twenty-four (M:F = 13:11) patients aged 18-75 years with ACDR from anticonvulsants were patch tested 3-27 mo after complete recovery using carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, lamotrigine, and sodium valproate in 10%, 20% and 30% conc. in pet. after informed consent. Positive reactions persisting on D3 and D4 were considered significant. RESULTS Clinical patterns were exanthematous drug rash with or without systemic involvement (DRESS) in 18 (75%), Stevens-Johnsons syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) overlap and TEN in 2 (8.3%) patients each, SJS and lichenoid drug eruption in 1 (4.2%) patient each, respectively. The implicated drugs were phenytoin in 14 (58.3%), carbamazepine in 9 (37.5%), phenobarbitone in 2 (8.3%), and lamotrigine in 1 (4.7%) patients, respectively. Twelve (50%) patients elicited positive reactions to implicated drugs; carbamazepine in 6 (50%), phenytoin alone in 4 (33.3%), phenobarbitone alone in 1 (8.3%), and both phenytoin and phenobarbitone in 1 (8.33%) patients, respectively. Cross-reactions occurred in 11 (92%) patients. Six patients with carbamazepine positive patch test reaction showed cross sensitivity with phenobarbitone, sodium valproate and/or lamotrigine. Three (75%) patients among positive phenytoin patch test reactions had cross reactions with phenobarbitone, lamotrigine, and/or valproate. CONCLUSION Carbamazepine remains the commonest anticonvulsant causing ACDRs and cross-reactions with other anticonvulsants are possible. Drug patch testing appears useful in DRESS for drug imputability and cross-reactions established clinically. PMID:28396847

Effects of the benzodiazepine antagonists RO 15-1788, CGS-8216 and PK-11195 on amygdaloid kindled seizures and the anticonvulsant efficacy of diazepam.

PubMed

Albertson, T E; Walby, W F

1986-11-01

The anticonvulsant effectiveness of the benzodiazepine antagonists RO 15-1788, CGS-8216 and PK-11195 were evaluated against threshold and suprathreshold (400 microA) stimulation in fully amygdaloid-kindled rats. Pretreatment with either RO 15-1788 (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg), CGS-8216 (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg) or PK-11195 (10 and 60 mg/kg) failed in this study to modify consistently either the afterdischarge thresholds or elicited suprathreshold seizures or duration of afterdischarge. Using a double injection paradigm, the effectiveness of these three benzodiazepine antagonists to reverse the anti-convulsant and behavioral effects of diazepam were studied. When diazepam (3 mg/kg) was injected 15 min before or after a second injection of the vehicle control DMSO (0.25 ml/kg), a significant reduction in the duration of afterdischarge and seizure rank, elicited by a suprathreshold stimulation in amygdaloid-kindled rats, occurred. When either CGS 8216 (10 mg/kg) or RO 15-1788 (10 mg/kg) were given 15 min before diazepam (3 mg/kg) prior to stimulation, the anticonvulsant properties of diazepam were blocked. When RO 15-1788 (10 mg/kg) was given 15 min after diazepam, antagonism of the anticonvulsant effects on diazepam was shown. However, when either CGS-8216 (10 mg/kg) or PK-11195 (10 and 60 mg/kg) were given 15 min after diazepam (3 mg/kg), the anticonvulsant properties of diazepam were not blocked. The anticonvulsant effects of diazepam were reversed when CGS-8216 (10 mg/kg) was given 5 min after diazepam (3 mg/kg) or when a larger dose (30 mg/kg) was given at the same 15 min interval.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants increase plasma clearance of dexmedetomidine: a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study.

PubMed

Flexman, Alana M; Wong, Harvey; Riggs, K Wayne; Shih, Tina; Garcia, Paul A; Vacas, Susana; Talke, Pekka O

2014-05-01

Dexmedetomidine is useful during mapping of epileptic foci as it facilitates electrocorticography unlike most other anesthetic agents. Patients with seizure disorders taking enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants appear to be resistant to its sedative effects. The objective of the study was to compare the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of dexmedetomidine in healthy volunteers with volunteers with seizure disorders receiving enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant medications. Dexmedetomidine was administered using a step-wise, computer-controlled infusion to healthy volunteers (n = 8) and volunteers with seizure disorders (n = 8) taking phenytoin or carbamazapine. Sedation and dexmedetomidine plasma levels were assessed at baseline, during the infusion steps, and after discontinuation of the infusion. Sedation was assessed by using the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale, Ramsay Sedation Scale, and Visual Analog Scale and processed electroencephalography (entropy) monitoring. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on both groups, and differences between groups were determined using the standard two-stage approach. A two-compartment model was fit to dexmedetomidine concentration-time data. Dexmedetomidine plasma clearance was 43% higher in the seizure group compared with the control group (42.7 vs. 29.9 l/h; P = 0.007). In contrast, distributional clearance and the volume of distribution of the central and peripheral compartments were similar between the groups. No difference in sedation was detected between the two groups during a controlled range of target plasma concentrations. This study demonstrates that subjects with seizure disorders taking enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant medications have an increased plasma clearance of dexmedetomidine as compared with healthy control subjects.

Design, synthesis, molecular modeling and biological evaluation of novel 2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione derivatives as potential anticonvulsant agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Helby, Abdel Ghany A.; Ayyad, Rezk R.; Sakr, Helmy M.; Abdelrahim, Adel S.; El-Adl, K.; Sherbiny, Farag S.; Eissa, Ibrahim H.; Khalifa, Mohamed M.

2017-02-01

In view of their expected anticonvulsant activity, some novel derivatives of 2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione 4-22 were designed, synthesized and evaluated using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and picrotoxin as convulsion-inducing models. Moreover, the most active compounds were tested against electrical induced convulsion using maximal electroshock (MES) models of seizures. Most of the tested compounds showed considerable anticonvulsant activity in at least one of the anticonvulsant tests. Compounds 13 and 14g were proved to be the most potent compounds of this series with relatively low toxicity in the median lethal dose test when compared with the reference drug. Molecular modeling studies were done to verify the biological activity. The obtained results showed that the most potent compounds could be useful as a template for future design, optimization, and investigation to produce more active analogues.

Synthesis of the Anticonvulsant Drug 5,5-Diphenylhydantoin: An Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Experiment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayward, Rodney C.

1983-01-01

Hydantoins are a drug family lying within the broadly related ureide structural frame which encompasses many of the anticonvulsant drugs used in treatment of various types of epilepsy. Background information and experimental procedures are provided for the synthesis of the hydantoin 5,5-diphenylhydantoin. (JN)

Differential glutamatergic modulation of monoamine release in the limbic lobe by selective anticonvulsant ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands.

PubMed

Smolders, I

2005-01-01

Several researchers are currently trying to unravel neurobiological relationships between epilepsy and depression. After all, these disorders often develop in the same vulnerable brain regions and the importance of comorbid depression and epilepsy is still underscored. Facilitation of central serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NAD) release seems to be associated with both anticonvulsant and antidepressant effects. We show that selective ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands with anticonvulsant properties differentially modulate NAD, DA and 5-HT in rat limbic lobe structures.

[Lithium and anticonvulsants in the treatment of mania and in the prophylaxis of recurrences].

PubMed

Salvi, Virginio; Cat Berro, Alberto; Bechon, Elisa; Bogetto, Filippo; Maina, Giuseppe

2011-01-01

A mood stabilizer is an agent effective in treating both poles of the illness and at the same time being able to prevent both manic and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. According to a broader definition, a mood stabilizer should be effective in decreasing the frequency or severity of any type of episode in bipolar disorder, without worsening the frequency or severity of episodes of opposite polarity. According to this, anticonvulsants and atypical antipsychotics can be considered as mood stabilizers. In this paper we review the use of lithium and other anticonvulsants that have proved effective in randomized controlled trials of the treatment of manic episodes and prevention of recurrences of bipolar disorder. Lithium and valproate are considered as first-line treatment options for acute mania while evidence regarding carbamazepine is insufficient to consider it as a first-line agent. Patients who fail to respond to first-line treatments may benefit from the adjunct of an atypical antipsychotic such as olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone or aripiprazole. Lithium retains the strongest evidence of efficacy in the prophylaxis of manic episodes, lamotrigine in the prevention of depressive episodes. Valproate and carbamazepine have no indication for long-term treatment of bipolar disorder. Lithium can still be considered a gold standard in the treatment of manic episodes as well as in the prophylaxis of recurrences. Other anticonvulsants should be employed in particular situations, such as valproic acid in the treatment of mania and lamotrigine in the prevention of depressive recurrences.

Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of the Antidepressant and Anticonvulsant Activities of Triazole-Containing Benzo[d]oxazoles.

PubMed

Song, Ming-Xia; Rao, Bao-Qi; Cheng, Bin-Bin; Wu, Yi; Zeng, Hong; Luo, You-Gen; Deng, Xian-Qing

2017-01-01

Epilepsy and depression are two of the common diseases seriously threatening life and health of human. A shared neurobiological substrate led to the bidirectional relationship and high comorbid occurrence of the two disorders. Recently, an increasing number of patients with epilepsy (PWE) require some form of antidepressant medication. However, most of the available antidepressants are inadequate for PWE for some reasons. So, the search for novel and increasingly effective drugs with anticonvulsant and antidepressant activities is necessary. A series of 2-substituted-6-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)benzo[d]oxazoles (5a-p) were designed and synthesized. Their anticonvulsant activities were evaluated using maximal electroshock shock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) seizure models in mice. Their antidepressant activities were screened with the forced swimming test (FST). All the compounds showed anti-MES activities in different degree, among which 5g and 5j were the most promising one with ED50 value of 31.7 and 12.7 mg/kg, respectively. What's more, 5g and 5j also exhibited nice anti-scPTZ activities and low neurotoxicity. Interestingly, these compounds also showed good antidepressant activities in FST. And the efficacy of 5g were also confirmed by a tail suspension test and a open field test. The pretreatment of thiosemicarbazide (an inhibitor of γ- aminobutyric acid synthesis enzyme) significantly increased the ED50 of 5g in MES and reversed the reductions in the immobility time of 5g in FST. Triazole-containing benzo[d]oxazole is a good skeleton to develop compounds with both anticonvulsant and antidepressant activities. We have got the compound 5g, which display remarkable antidepressant and anticonvulsant activities, and the GABAergic system was involved in the action mechanism of 5g. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Enhanced efficacy of anticonvulsants when combined with levetiracetam in soman-exposed rats.

PubMed

Myhrer, Trond; Enger, Siri; Jonassen, Morten; Aas, Pål

2011-12-01

Results from studies based on microinfusions into seizure controlling brain sites (area tempestas, medial septum, perirhinal cortex, posterior piriform cortex) have shown that procyclidine, muscimol, caramiphen, and NBQX, but not ketamine, exert anticonvulsant effects against soman-induced seizures. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether levetiracetam (Keppra(®)) may enhance the anticonvulsant potency of the above drugs to become optimally effective when used systemically. Levetiracetam has a unique profile in preclinical models of epilepsy and has been shown to increase the potency of other antiepileptic drugs. The rats were pretreated with pyridostigmine (0.1mg/kg) to enhance survival and received anticonvulsants 20 min after onset of seizures evoked by soman (1.15 × LD(50)). The results showed that no single drug was able to terminate seizure activity. However, when levetiracetam (LEV; 50mg/kg) was combined with either procyclidine (PCD; 10mg/kg) or caramiphen (CMP; 10mg/kg) complete cessation of seizures was achieved, but the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine was needed to induce full motor rest in some rats. In a subsequent experiment, rats were pretreated with HI-6 (125 mg/kg) to enhance survival and treatment started 40 min following seizure onset of a soman dose of 1.6 × LD(50). LEV (50mg/kg) combined with either PCD (20mg/kg) or CMP (20mg/kg) terminated seizure activity, but the survival rate was considerably higher for LEV+PCD than LEV+CMP. Both therapies could also save the lives of rats that were about to die 5-10 min after seizure onset. Thus, the combination of LEV and PCD or CMP may make up a model of a future autoinjector being effective regardless of the time of application. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synergistic anticonvulsant effects of pregabalin and amlodipine on acute seizure model of epilepsy in mice.

PubMed

Qureshi, Itefaq Hussain; Riaz, Azra; Khan, Rafeeq Alam; Siddiqui, Afaq Ahmed

2017-08-01

Status epilepticus is a life threatening neurological medical emergency. It may cause serious damage to the brain and even death in many cases if not treated properly. There is limited choice of drugs for the short term and long term management of status epilepticus and the dugs recommended for status epilepticus possess various side effects. The present study was designed to investigate synergistic anticonvulsant effects of pregabalin with amlodipine on acute seizure model of epilepsy in mice. Pentylenetetrazole was used to induce acute seizures which mimic status epilepticus. Pregabalin and amlodipine were used in combination to evaluate synergistic anti-seizure effects on acute seizure model of epilepsy in mice. Diazepam and valproate were used as reference dugs. The acute anti-convulsive activity of pregabalin with amlodipine was evaluated in vivo by the chemical induced seizures and their anti-seizure effects were compared with pentylenetetrazole, reference drugs and to their individual effects. The anti-seizure effects of tested drugs were recorded in seconds on seizure characteristics such as latency of onset of threshold seizures, rearing and fallings and Hind limbs tonic extensions. The seizure protection and mortality to the animals exhibited by the drugs were recorded in percentage. Combination regimen of pregabalin with amlodipine exhibited dose dependent significant synergistic anticonvulsant effects on acute seizures which were superior to their individual effects and equivalent to reference drugs.

Anticonvulsant effects of a triheptanoin diet in two mouse chronic seizure models

PubMed Central

Willis, Sarah; Stoll, James; Sweetman, Lawrence; Borges, Karin

2010-01-01

We hypothesized that in epileptic brains citric acid cycle intermediate levels may be deficient leading to hyperexcitability. Anaplerosis is the metabolic refilling of deficient metabolites. Our goal was to determine the anticonvulsant effects of feeding triheptanoin, the triglyceride of anaplerotic heptanoate. CF1 mice were fed 0-35% calories from triheptanoin. Body weights and dietary intake were similar in mice fed triheptanoin vs. standard diet. Triheptanoin feeding increased blood propionyl-carnitine levels, signifying its metabolism. 35%, but not 20%, triheptanoin delayed development of corneal kindled seizures. After pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), triheptanoin feeding increased the pentylenetetrazole tonic seizure threshold during the chronically epileptic stage. Mice in the chronically epileptic stage showed various changes in brain metabolite levels, including a reduction in malate. Triheptanoin feeding largely restored a reduction in propionyl-CoA levels and increased methylmalonyl-CoA levels in SE mice. In summary, triheptanoin was anticonvulsant in two chronic mouse models and increased levels of anaplerotic precursor metabolites in epileptic mouse brains. The mechanisms of triheptanoin's effects and its efficacy in humans suffering from epilepsy remain to be determined. PMID:20691264

Ambulatory care of children treated with anticonvulsants - pitfalls after discharge from hospital.

PubMed

Bertsche, A; Dahse, A-J; Neininger, M P; Bernhard, M K; Syrbe, S; Frontini, R; Kiess, W; Merkenschlager, A; Bertsche, T

2013-09-01

Anticonvulsants require special consideration particularly at the interface from hospital to ambulatory care. Observational study for 6 months with prospectively enrolled consecutive patients in a neuropediatric ward of a university hospital (age 0-<18 years) with long-term therapy of at least one anticonvulsant. Assessment of outpatient prescriptions after discharge. Parent interviews for emergency treatment for acute seizures and safety precautions. We identified changes of the brand in 19/82 (23%) patients caused by hospital's discharge letters (4/82; 5%) or in ambulatory care (15/82; 18%). In 37/76 (49%) of patients who were deemed to require rescue medication, no recommendation for such a medication was included in the discharge letters. 17/76 (22%) of the respective parents stated that they had no immediate access to rescue medication. Safety precautions were applicable in 44 epilepsy patients. We identified knowledge deficits in 27/44 (61%) of parents. Switching of brands after discharge was frequent. In the discharge letters, rescue medications were insufficiently recommended. Additionally, parents frequently displayed knowledge deficits in risk management. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Synthesis and evaluation of anticonvulsant activities of some new arylhexahydropyrimidine-2,4-diones.

PubMed

Caliş, U; Köksal, M

2001-01-01

In this study, some new 3-alkyl-6-arylhexahydropyrimidine-2,4-dione derivatives were synthesized as anticonvulsant agents. 6-Arylhexahydropyrimidine-2,4-diones which were used as starting materials in the synthesis of the compounds were prepared in acidic media by the cyclization of potassium cyanate and the appropriate ureido acids that were gained by the reaction of beta-aminoacids, malonic acid and ammonium acetate. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by UV, IR, 1H-NMR and elementary analysis. Their anticonvulsant activities were determined by maximal electroshock (MES), subcutaneous metrazol (scMet) and rotorod toxicity tests for neurological deficits. According to the activity studies, 3-arylalkyl-6-(p-chlorophenyl) derivatives were found to be protective against scMet, whereas 6-phenyl derivatives were not. 6-Phenyl-3-(2-morpholinoethyl)hexahydropyrimidine-2,4-dione was the only compound determined to be active against MES at 300 mg/kg dose at half an hour.

Suspected zonisamide-related anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome in a cat.

PubMed

Collinet, Audrey; Sammut, Veronique

2017-12-15

CASE DESCRIPTION A 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for sudden onset of cluster seizures. CLINICAL FINDINGS At an emergency clinic, the cat had hyperimmunoglobulinemia and thrombocytopenia. On referral, treatment with levetiracetam, zonisamide, and phenobarbital initially provided good control of cluster seizure activity (attributable to epilepsy of unknow origin). Two weeks later, assessments revealed that serum phenobarbital concentration was within the ideal range but serum zonisamide concentration exceeded the recommended therapeutic range. The dosage of zonisamide was therefore decreased. Four days after dosage reduction, the cat developed generalized lymphadenopathy. Cytologic analysis of lymph node aspirate samples revealed a heterogeneous population of well-differentiated lymphocytes, interpreted as marked reactivity. Although neoplasia could not be ruled out, hypersensitivity to phenobarbital was suspected, and this treatment was discontinued. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Despite cessation of phenobarbital administration, generalized peripheral lymphadenopathy progressed and hyperglobulinemia and cytopenias developed. These abnormalities resolved after discontinuation of zonisamide administration. The cat remained seizure free with no recurrence of the aforementioned concerns after reinstitution of phenobarbital treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of zonisamide-related lymphadenopathy, hyperglobulinemia, and cytopenias in a cat. Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome is well documented in human medicine, but little information has been published in the veterinary medical literature. Although the effects of anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome in this cat were serious, these effects were reversible with treatment discontinuation.

Design, Synthesis and Anticonvulsant Activity of 2-(2-Phenoxy) phenyl- 1,3,4-oxadiazole Derivatives.

PubMed

Tabatabai, Sayyed Abbas; Barghi Lashkari, Saoka; Zarrindast, Mohammad Reza; Gholibeikian, Mohammadreza; Shafiee, Abbas

2013-01-01

Benzodiazepines are useful drugs for treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety, seizure cases and skeletal muscle cramps. Some derivatives of 2-(2-Phenoxy) phenyl-1, 3, 4-oxadiazole were synthesized as benzodiazepine receptor agonists. Conformational analysis and superimposition of energy minima conformers of the compounds on estazolam, a known benzodiazepine agonist, reveal that the main proposed benzodiazepine pharmacophores were well matched. Anticonvulsant activity of the synthesized compounds, determined by pentylenetetrazole-induced lethal convulsion test, showed that the introduction of an amino substituent in position 5 of 1,3,4- oxadiazole ring generates compound 9 which has a respectable effect. The results are in agreement with SAR of benzodiazepine receptor ligands since the elimination of electronegative substituent in position 2 of phenoxy ring or position 4 of phenyl ring reduces the anticonvulsant activity.

Design, Synthesis and Anticonvulsant Activity of 2-(2-Phenoxy) phenyl- 1,3,4-oxadiazole Derivatives

PubMed Central

Tabatabai, Sayyed Abbas; Barghi Lashkari, Saoka; Zarrindast, Mohammad Reza; Gholibeikian, Mohammadreza; Shafiee, Abbas

2013-01-01

Benzodiazepines are useful drugs for treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety, seizure cases and skeletal muscle cramps. Some derivatives of 2-(2-Phenoxy) phenyl-1, 3, 4-oxadiazole were synthesized as benzodiazepine receptor agonists. Conformational analysis and superimposition of energy minima conformers of the compounds on estazolam, a known benzodiazepine agonist, reveal that the main proposed benzodiazepine pharmacophores were well matched. Anticonvulsant activity of the synthesized compounds, determined by pentylenetetrazole-induced lethal convulsion test, showed that the introduction of an amino substituent in position 5 of 1,3,4- oxadiazole ring generates compound 9 which has a respectable effect. The results are in agreement with SAR of benzodiazepine receptor ligands since the elimination of electronegative substituent in position 2 of phenoxy ring or position 4 of phenyl ring reduces the anticonvulsant activity. PMID:24250678

In silico Screening and Evaluation of the Anticonvulsant Activity of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Like Molecules in Experimental Models of Seizures.

PubMed

Gharibi Loron, Ali; Sardari, Soroush; Narenjkar, Jamshid; Sayyah, Mohammad

2017-01-01

Resistance to antiepileptic drugs and the intolerability in 20-30% of the patients raises demand for developing new drugs with improved efficacy and safety. Acceptable anticonvulsant activity, good tolerability, and inexpensiveness of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) make it as a good candidate for designing and development of the new anticonvulsant medications. Ten DHA-based molecules were screened based on in silico screening of DHA-like molecules by root-mean-square deviation of atomic positions, the biological activity score of Professional Association for SQL Server, and structural requirements suggested by pharmacophore design. Anticonvulsant activity was tested against clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 60 mg/kg, i.p.) and tonic seizures induced by maximal electroshock (MES, 50 mA, 50 Hz, 1 ms duration) by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of the screened compounds to mice. Among screened compounds, 4-Phenylbutyric acid, 4-Biphenylacetic acid, phenylacetic acid, and 2-Phenylbutyric acid showed significant protective activity in pentylenetetrazole test with ED50 values of 4, 5, 78, and 70 mM, respectively. In MES test, shikimic acid and 4-tert-Butylcyclo-hexanecarboxylic acid showed significant activity with ED50 values 29 and 637 mM, respectively. Effective compounds had no mortality in mice up to the maximum i.c.v. injectable dose of 1 mM. Common electrochemical features and three-dimensional spatial structures of the effective compounds suggest the involvement of the anticonvulsant mechanisms similar to the parent compound DHA.

In silico Screening and Evaluation of the Anticonvulsant Activity of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Like Molecules in Experimental Models of Seizures

PubMed Central

Loron, Ali Gharibi; Sardari, Soroush; Narenjkar, Jamshid; Sayyah, Mohammad

2017-01-01

Background: Resistance to antiepileptic drugs and the intolerability in 20-30% of the patients raises demand for developing new drugs with improved efficacy and safety. Acceptable anticonvulsant activity, good tolerability, and inexpensiveness of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) make it as a good candidate for designing and development of the new anticonvulsant medications. Methods: Ten DHA-based molecules were screened based on in silico screening of DHA-like molecules by root-mean-square deviation of atomic positions, the biological activity score of Professional Association for SQL Server, and structural requirements suggested by pharmacophore design. Anticonvulsant activity was tested against clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 60 mg/kg, i.p.) and tonic seizures induced by maximal electroshock (MES, 50 mA, 50 Hz, 1 ms duration) by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of the screened compounds to mice. Results: Among screened compounds, 4-Phenylbutyric acid, 4-Biphenylacetic acid, phenylacetic acid, and 2-Phenylbutyric acid showed significant protective activity in pentylenetetrazole test with ED50 values of 4, 5, 78, and 70 mM, respectively. In MES test, shikimic acid and 4-tert-Butylcyclo-hexanecarboxylic acid showed significant activity with ED50 values 29 and 637 mM, respectively. Effective compounds had no mortality in mice up to the maximum i.c.v. injectable dose of 1 mM. Conclusion: Common electrochemical features and three-dimensional spatial structures of the effective compounds suggest the involvement of the anticonvulsant mechanisms similar to the parent compound DHA. PMID:27592363

Anticonvulsant effects of Senna spectabilis on seizures induced by chemicals and maximal electroshock.

PubMed

Nkamguie Nkantchoua, Gisele Claudine; Kameni Njapdounke, Jacqueline Stephanie; Jules Fifen, Jean; Sotoing Taiwe, Germain; Josiane Ojong, Lucie; Kavaye Kandeda, Antoine; Ngo Bum, Elisabeth

2018-02-15

Senna spectabilis (Fabaceae) is one of the medicinal plants used in Cameroon by traditional healers to treat epilepsy, constipation, insomnia, anxiety. The present study aimed to investigate the anticonvulsant effects of Senna spectabilis decoction on seizures induced by maximal electroshock (MES), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), pilocarpine (PC) and its possible action mechanisms in animal models using flumazenil (FLU), methyl-ß-carboline-3-carboxylate (BC) and bicuculline (BIC). Senna spectabilis decoction (106.5 and 213.0mg/kg) antagonized completely tonic-clonic hind limbs of mice induced by MES. The lowest plant dose (42.6mg/kg) provided 100% of protection against seizures induced by PTZ (70mg/kg). Administration of different doses of the plant decoction antagonized seizures induced by PC up to 75%, causing a dose dependent protection and reduced significantly the mortality rate induced by this convulsant. Both FLU and BC antagonize strongly the anticonvulsant effects of this plant and are unable to reverse totally diazepam or the plant decoction effects on inhibiting seizures. The animals did not present any sign of acute toxicity even at higher doses of the plant decoction. In conclusion, Senna spectabilis possesses an anticonvulsant activity. We showed that its decoction protects significantly mice against seizures induced by chemicals and MES, delays the onset time and reduces mortality rate in seizures-induced. It also appears that the oral administration of the decoction of S. spectabilis is more active than the intraperitoneal administration of the ethanolic extract on inhibiting seizures induced by MES and PTZ. Moreover, the plant decoction could interact with GABA A complex receptor probably on the GABA and benzodiazepines sites. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Excavating Anticonvulsant Compounds from Prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Epilepsy.

PubMed

Zhao, Zefeng; He, Xirui; Ma, Cuixia; Wu, Shaoping; Cuan, Ye; Sun, Ying; Bai, Yajun; Huang, Linhong; Chen, Xufei; Gao, Tian; Zheng, Xiaohui

2018-05-08

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and been widely used in prevention and treatment of epilepsy in China. This paper is intended to review the advances in the active anticonvulsant compounds isolated from herbs in the prescription of TCM in the treatment of epilepsy. These compounds were introduced with the details including classification, CAS number specific structure and druggability data. Meanwhile, much of the research in these compounds in the last two decades has shown that they exhibited favorable pharmacological properties in treatment of epilepsy both in in vivo and in vitro models. In addition, in this present review, the evaluation of the effects of the anticonvulsant classical TCM prescriptions is discussed. According to these rewarding pharmacological effects and chemical substances, the prescription of TCM herbs could be an effective therapeutic strategy for epilepsy patients, and also could be a promising source for the development of new drugs.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis due to anticonvulsants share certain clinical and laboratory features with drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, despite differences in cutaneous presentations.

PubMed

Teraki, Y; Shibuya, M; Izaki, S

2010-10-01

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS)/drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is characterized by late disease onset, fever, rash, hepatic dysfunction, haematological abnormalities, lymphadenopathy and often, human herpesvirus (HHV) reactivation. The diagnosis of DIHS is based on the combined presence of these findings. Anticonvulsants are a major cause of DIHS and may also cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). We examined whether SJS/TEN due to anticonvulsants display similar clinical and laboratory features seen in DIHS. Patients diagnosed with SJS or TEN due to anticonvulsants (n = 8) were examined and their clinical features and laboratory findings were compared with patients with anticonvulsant-related DIHS (n = 6). Seven of the eight patients with SJS/TEN developed symptoms > 3 weeks after starting anticonvulsants. Hepatic dysfunction was present in six patients with SJS/TEN and five patients with DIHS. Leucocytosis and/or eosinophilia was noted in seven patients with SJS/TEN and four patients with DIHS. Only one patient in the SJS/TEN group had atypical lymphocytosis; this was present in four patients with DIHS. Reactivation of HHV-6 was detected in one of the four patients tested in the SJS/TEN group, although it was seen in five of the six patients with DIHS. TSJS/TEN due to anticonvulsants may exhibit some clinical and laboratory features of DIHS. The nature of the cutaneous involvement should be emphasized in the diagnosis of DIHS. © 2009 The Author(s). Journal compilation © 2009 British Association of Dermatologists.

Anticonvulsant Activity of Androsterone and Etiocholanolone

PubMed Central

Kaminski, Rafal M; Marini, Herbert; Kim, Won-Joo; Rogawski, Michael A

2005-01-01

Summary Purpose Men with epilepsy often have sexual or reproductive abnormalities that are attributed to alterations in androgen levels, including subnormal free testosterone. Levels of the major metabolites of testosterone – androsterone (5α-androstan-3α-ol-17-one; 5α, 3α-A), a neurosteroid that acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors, and its 5β-epimer etiocholanolone (5β-androstan-3α-ol-17-one; 5β, 3α-A) – may also be reduced in epilepsy. 5α 3α-A has been found in adult brain and both metabolites, which can also be derived from androstenedione, are present in substantial quantities in serum along with their glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. This study sought to determine whether these endogenous steroid metabolites can protect against seizures. Methods The anticonvulsant activity of 5α 3α-A and 5β, 3α-A was investigated in electrical and chemoconvulsant seizure models in mice. The steroids were also examined for activity against extracellularly-recorded epileptiform discharges in the CA3 region of the rat hippocampal slice induced by perfusion with 55 μM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Results Intraperitoneal injection of 5α, 3α-A protected mice in a dose-dependent fashion from seizures in the following models (ED50, dose in mg/kg protecting 50% of animals): 6 Hz electrical stimulation (29.1), pentylenetetrazol (43.5), pilocarpine (105), 4-AP (215), and maximal electroshock (224). 5β, 3α-A was also active in the 6 Hz and pentylenetetrazol models, but was less potent (ED50 values, 76.9 and 139 mg/kg, respectively), whereas epiandrosterone (5α,3β-A) was inactive (ED50, ≤300 mg/kg). 5α, 3α-A (10–100 μM) also inhibited epileptiform discharges in a concentration-dependent fashion in the in vitro slice model, whereas 5β, 3α-A was active but of lower potency and 5α, 3β-A was inactive. Conclusions 5α, 3α-A and 5β, 3α-A have anticonvulsant properties. Although of low potency, the steroids are present in high abundance

The Structure-Activity Relationship of the 3-Oxy Site in the Anticonvulsant (R)-N-Benzyl 2-Acetamido-3-methoxypropionamide

PubMed Central

Morieux, Pierre; Salomé, Christophe; Park, Ki Duk; Stables, James P.; Kohn, Harold

2010-01-01

Lacosamide ((R)-N-benzyl 2-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamide, (R)-1) is a low molecular weight anticonvulsant recently introduced in the United States and Europe for adjuvant treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults. In this study, we define the structure-activity relationship (SAR) for the compound's 3-oxy site. Placement of small non-polar, non-bulky substituents at the 3-oxy site provided compounds with pronounced seizure protection in the maximal electroshock (MES) seizure test with activities similar to (R)-1. The anticonvulsant activity loss that accompanied introduction of larger moieties at the 3-oxy site in (R)-1 was offset, in part, by including unsaturated groups at this position. Our findings were similar to a recently reported SAR study of the 4′-benzylamide site in (R)-1 (J. Med. Chem.2010, 53, 1288–1305). Together, these results indicate that both the 3-oxy and 4′-benzylamide positions in (R)-1 can accommodate non-bulky, hydrophobic groups and still retain pronounced anticonvulsant activities in rodents in the MES seizure model. PMID:20614888

The anticonvulsant action of nafimidone on kindled amygdaloid seizures in rats.

PubMed

Albertson, T E; Walby, W F

1988-01-01

The anticonvulsant effectiveness of nafimidone (1-[2-naphthoylmethyl]imidazole hydrochloride) was evaluated in the kindled amygdaloid seizure model in rats. Nafimidone (3.1-120 mg/kg i.p.) was evaluated at 30 min in previously kindled rats using both threshold (20 microA increments) and supranthreshold (400 microA) paradigms. Nafimidone (25-50 mg/kg) significantly reduced supranthreshold elicited afterdischarge length and seizure severity only at doses with some prestimulation toxicity. The maximum anticonvulsant effectiveness for the 25 mg/kg i.p. dose of nafimidone was seen between 15 and 30 min utilizing a suprathreshold kindling paradigm. Nafimidone did not significantly elevate seizure thresholds at the doses tested; however, nafimidone (3.1-50 mg/kg) reduced the severity and afterdischarge duration of threshold elicited seizures in a non-dose response manner. Drug-induced electroencephalographic spikes were seen in both cortex and amygdala in most kindled rats receiving 100-120 mg/kg i.p. within 30 min of dosing before electrical stimulation. The frequency of spike and wave complexes increased in most of these animals leading to drug-induced spontaneous seizures and death in approximately 25% before electrical stimulation. This study has demonstrated that although nafimidone can modify both threshold and suprathreshold elicited kindled amygdaloid seizures, it lacks significant specificity in this model of epilepsy.

The psychopharmacology of aggressive behavior: a translational approach: part 2: clinical studies using atypical antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and lithium.

PubMed

Comai, Stefano; Tau, Michael; Pavlovic, Zoran; Gobbi, Gabriella

2012-04-01

Patients experiencing mental disorders are at an elevated risk for developing aggressive behavior. In the past 10 years, the psychopharmacological treatment of aggression has changed dramatically owing to the introduction of atypical antipsychotics on the market and the increased use of anticonvulsants and lithium in the treatment of aggressive patients.This review (second of 2 parts) uses a translational medicine approach to examine the neurobiology of aggression, discussing the major neurotransmitter systems implicated in its pathogenesis (serotonin, glutamate, norepinephrine, dopamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid) and the neuropharmacological rationale for using atypical antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and lithium in the therapeutics of aggressive behavior. A critical review of all clinical trials using atypical antipsychotics (aripiprazole, clozapine, loxapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, ziprasidone, and amisulpride), anticonvulsants (topiramate, valproate, lamotrigine, and gabapentin), and lithium are presented. Given the complex, multifaceted nature of aggression, a multifunctional combined therapy, targeting different receptors, seems to be the best strategy for treating aggressive behavior. This therapeutic strategy is supported by translational studies and a few human studies, even if additional randomized, double-blind, clinical trials are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of this framework.

Comparison of the anticonvulsant potency of various diuretic drugs in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure threshold test in mice.

PubMed

Załuska, Katarzyna; Kondrat-Wróbel, Maria W; Łuszczki, Jarogniew J

2018-05-01

The coexistence of seizures and arterial hypertension requires an adequate and efficacious treatment involving both protection from seizures and reduction of high arterial blood pressure. Accumulating evidence indicates that some diuretic drugs (with a well-established position in the treatment of arterial hypertension) also possess anticonvulsant properties in various experimental models of epilepsy. The aim of this study was to assess the anticonvulsant potency of 6 commonly used diuretic drugs (i.e., amiloride, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, and spironolactone) in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure threshold (MEST) test in mice. Doses of the studied diuretics and their corresponding threshold increases were linearly related, allowing for the determination of doses which increase the threshold for electroconvulsions in drug-treated animals by 20% (TID20 values) over the threshold in control animals. Amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide and indapamide administered systemically (intraperitoneally - i.p.) increased the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions in mice, and the experimentally-derived TID20 values in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test were 30.2 mg/kg for amiloride, 68.2 mg/kg for hydrochlorothiazide and 3.9 mg/kg for indapamide. In contrast, ethacrynic acid (up to 100 mg/kg), furosemide (up to 100 mg/kg) and spironolactone (up to 50 mg/kg) administered i.p. had no significant impact on the threshold for electroconvulsions in mice. The studied diuretics can be arranged with respect to their anticonvulsant potency in the MEST test as follows: indapamide > amiloride > hydrochlorothiazide. No anticonvulsant effects were observed for ethacrynic acid, furosemide or spironolactone in the MEST test in mice.

Effect of xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen) on the anticonvulsant activity of classical antiepileptic drugs against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice.

PubMed

Zagaja, Miroslaw; Pyrka, Daniel; Skalicka-Wozniak, Krystyna; Glowniak, Kazimierz; Florek-Luszczki, Magdalena; Glensk, Michał; Luszczki, Jarogniew J

2015-09-01

The effects of xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen) on the anticonvulsant activity of four classical antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and valproate) were studied in the mouse maximal electroshock seizure model. Tonic hind limb extension (seizure activity) was evoked in adult male albino Swiss mice by a current (25 mA, 500 V, 50 Hz, 0.2 s stimulus duration) delivered via auricular electrodes. Total brain concentrations of antiepileptic drugs were measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay to ascertain any pharmacokinetic contribution to the observed anticonvulsant effects. Results indicate that xanthotoxin (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly potentiated the anticonvulsant activity of carbamazepine against maximal electroshock-induced seizures (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). Similarly, xanthotoxin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) markedly enhanced the anticonvulsant action of valproate in the maximal electroshock seizure test (P<0.001). In contrast, xanthotoxin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) did not affect the protective action of phenobarbital and phenytoin against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice. Moreover, xanthotoxin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased total brain concentrations of carbamazepine (P<0.001) and valproate (P<0.05), but not those of phenytoin and phenobarbital, indicating pharmacokinetic nature of interactions between drugs. In conclusion, the combinations of xanthotoxin with carbamazepine and valproate, despite their beneficial effects in terms of seizure suppression in mice, were probably due to a pharmacokinetic increase in total brain concentrations of these antiepileptic drugs in experimental animals. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

BTS 72664-- a novel CNS drug with potential anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, and antimigraine properties.

PubMed

Smith, S L; Thompson, K S; Sargent, B J; Heal, D J

2001-01-01

BTS 72664, (R)-7-[1-(4-chlorophenoxy)]ethyl]-1,2,4-triazolo(1,5-alpha)pyrimidine, was identified as a drug development candidate from a research program designed to discover novel, broad-spectrum, non-sedative anticonvulsant drugs. BTS 72664 antagonized bicuculline (BIC)- and maximal electroshock (MES)-induced convulsions with ED(50) values of 1.9 and 47.5 mg/kg p.o., respectively. In rodents, it has a wide spectrum of activity preventing seizures induced by picrotoxin, pentylenetetrazol, i.c.v. 4-aminopyridine or NMDA, and audiogenic seizures in DBA-2 mice and GEPR-9 rats. BTS 72664 was also effective in preventing convulsions in amygdala-kindled rats The lack of sedative potential was predicted on the basis of wide separation between ED(50) in anticonvulsant models and TD(50) for motor impairment in mice in rotating rod and inverted horizontal grid tests. BTS 72664 is likely to produce its anticonvulsant effect by enhancing chloride currents through picrotoxin-sensitive chloride channels, and by weak inhibition of Na(+) and NMDA channels. It does not act, however, at the benzodiazepine binding site. In addition to its potential use in the treatment of epilepsy BTS 72664 may be useful in the treatment of stroke. At 50 mg/kg p.o. x 4, given to rats at 12 hourly intervals, starting at 15 min after permanent occlusion of middle cerebral artery (MCA), it reduced cerebral infarct size by 31% (measured at 2 days after insult) and accelerated recovery in a functional behavioral model. BTS 72664 prevented increases in extraneuronal concentrations of glutamate, glycine and serine brain levels induced by a cortical insult to rats (cf. cortical spreading depression). It may, therefore, have also antimigraine activity.

Anticonvulsive activity of Albizzia lebbeck, Hibiscus rosa sinesis and Butea monosperma in experimental animals.

PubMed

Kasture, V S; Chopde, C T; Deshmukh, V K

2000-07-01

The ethanolic extracts of leaves of Albizzia lebbeck and flowers of Hibiscus rosa sinesis and the petroleum ether extract of flowers of Butea monosperma exhibited anticonvulsant activity. The bioassay guided fractionation indicated that the anticonvulsant activity lies in the methanolic fraction of chloroform soluble part of ethanolic extract of the leaves of A. lebbeck, acetone soluble part of ethanolic extract of H. rosa sinesis flowers and acetone soluble part of petroleum ether extract of B. monosperma flowers. The fractions protected animals from maximum electro shock, electrical kindling and pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions in mice. The fractions also inhibited convulsions induced by lithium-pilocarpine and electrical kindling. However, they failed to protect animals from strychnine-induced convulsions. The fractions antagonised the behavioral effects of D-amphetamine and potentiated the pentobarbitone-induced sleep. The fractions raised brain contents of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin. These fractions were found to be anxiogenic and general depressant of central nervous system.

Design and synthesis of some new 1-phenyl-3/4-[4-(aryl/heteroaryl/alkyl-piperazine1-yl)-phenyl-ureas as potent anticonvulsant and antidepressant agents.

PubMed

Mishra, Chandra Bhushan; Kumari, Shikha; Tiwari, Manisha

2016-05-01

A series of 1-phenyl-3/4-[4-(aryl/heteroaryl/alkyl-piperazine1-yl)-phenyl-urea derivatives (29-42) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity by using maximal electroshock (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) seizure tests. The acute neurotoxicity was checked by rotarod assay. Most of the test compounds were found effective in both seizure tests. Compound 30 (1-{4-[4-(4-chloro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-phenyl}-3-phenyl-urea) exhibited marked anticonvulsant activity in MES as well as scPTZ tests. The phase II anticonvulsant quantification study of compound 30 indicates the ED50 value of 28.5 mg/kg against MES induced seizures. In addition, this compound also showed considerable protection against pilocarpine induced status epilepticus in rats. Seizures induced by 3-mercaptopropionic acid model and thiosemicarbazide were significantly attenuated by compound 30, which suggested its broad spectrum of anticonvulsant activity. Interestingly, compound 30 displayed better antidepressant activity than standard drug fluoxetine. Moreover, compound 30 appeared as a non-toxic chemical entity in sub-acute toxicity studies.

Anticonvulsant effects of isomeric nonimidazole histamine H3 receptor antagonists

PubMed Central

Sadek, Bassem; Saad, Ali; Schwed, Johannes Stephan; Weizel, Lilia; Walter, Miriam; Stark, Holger

2016-01-01

Phenytoin (PHT), valproic acid, and modern antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), eg, remacemide, loreclezole, and safinamide, are only effective within a maximum of 70%–80% of epileptic patients, and in many cases the clinical use of AEDs is restricted by their side effects. Therefore, a continuous need remains to discover innovative chemical entities for the development of active and safer AEDs. Ligands targeting central histamine H3 receptors (H3Rs) for epilepsy might be a promising therapeutic approach. To determine the potential of H3Rs ligands as new AEDs, we recently reported that no anticonvulsant effects were observed for the (S)-2-(4-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propoxy)benzylamino)propanamide (1). In continuation of our research, we asked whether anticonvulsant differences in activities will be observed for its R-enantiomer, namely, (R)-2-(4-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propoxy)benzylamino)propaneamide (2) and analogs thereof, in maximum electroshock (MES)-, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-, and strychnine (STR)-induced convulsion models in rats having PHT and valproic acid (VPA) as reference AEDs. Unlike the S-enantiomer (1), the results show that animals pretreated intraperitoneally (ip) with the R-enantiomer 2 (10 mg/kg) were moderately protected in MES and STR induced models, whereas proconvulsant effect was observed for the same ligand in PTZ-induced convulsion models. However, animals pretreated with intraperitoneal doses of 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg of structurally bulkier (R)-enantiomer (3), in which 3-piperidinopropan-1-ol in ligand 2 was replaced by (4-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propoxy)phenyl)methanol, and its (S)-enantiomer (4) significantly and in a dose-dependent manner reduced convulsions or exhibited full protection in MES and PTZ convulsions model, respectively. Interestingly, the protective effects observed for the (R)-enantiomer (3) in MES model were significantly greater than those of the standard H3R inverse agonist/antagonist pitolisant, comparable with those observed for PHT, and

Anticonvulsant effects of isomeric nonimidazole histamine H3 receptor antagonists.

PubMed

Sadek, Bassem; Saad, Ali; Schwed, Johannes Stephan; Weizel, Lilia; Walter, Miriam; Stark, Holger

2016-01-01

Phenytoin (PHT), valproic acid, and modern antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), eg, remacemide, loreclezole, and safinamide, are only effective within a maximum of 70%-80% of epileptic patients, and in many cases the clinical use of AEDs is restricted by their side effects. Therefore, a continuous need remains to discover innovative chemical entities for the development of active and safer AEDs. Ligands targeting central histamine H 3 receptors (H 3 Rs) for epilepsy might be a promising therapeutic approach. To determine the potential of H 3 Rs ligands as new AEDs, we recently reported that no anticonvulsant effects were observed for the ( S )-2-(4-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propoxy)benzylamino)propanamide ( 1 ). In continuation of our research, we asked whether anticonvulsant differences in activities will be observed for its R -enantiomer, namely, ( R )-2-(4-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propoxy)benzylamino)propaneamide ( 2 ) and analogs thereof, in maximum electroshock (MES)-, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-, and strychnine (STR)-induced convulsion models in rats having PHT and valproic acid (VPA) as reference AEDs. Unlike the S -enantiomer ( 1 ), the results show that animals pretreated intraperitoneally (ip) with the R -enantiomer 2 (10 mg/kg) were moderately protected in MES and STR induced models, whereas proconvulsant effect was observed for the same ligand in PTZ-induced convulsion models. However, animals pretreated with intraperitoneal doses of 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg of structurally bulkier ( R )-enantiomer ( 3 ), in which 3-piperidinopropan-1-ol in ligand 2 was replaced by (4-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propoxy)phenyl)methanol, and its ( S )-enantiomer ( 4 ) significantly and in a dose-dependent manner reduced convulsions or exhibited full protection in MES and PTZ convulsions model, respectively. Interestingly, the protective effects observed for the ( R )-enantiomer ( 3 ) in MES model were significantly greater than those of the standard H 3 R inverse agonist/antagonist pitolisant, comparable with

What is the role of sedating antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants in the management of insomnia?

PubMed

McCall, Catherine; McCall, W Vaughn

2012-10-01

Psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants are commonly prescribed by physicians for the off-label use of improving sleep. Reasons for preferential prescription of these medications over FDA-approved insomnia drugs may include a desire to treat concurrent sleep problems and psychiatric illness with a single medication, and/or an attempt to avoid hypnotic drugs due to their publicized side effects. However, there have been few large studies demonstrating the efficacy and safety of most off-label medications prescribed to treat insomnia. In addition, many of these medications have significant known side effect profiles themselves. Here we review the pertinent research studies published in recent years on antidepressant, antipsychotic, and anticonvulsant medications frequently prescribed for sleep difficulties. Although there have been few large-scale studies for most of these medications, some may be appropriate in the treatment of sleep issues in specific well-defined populations.

Anticonvulsant Effect of the Aqueous Extract and Essential Oil of Carum Carvi L. Seeds in a Pentylenetetrazol Model of Seizure in Mice

PubMed Central

Showraki, Alireza; Emamghoreishi, Masoumeh; Oftadegan, Somayeh

2016-01-01

Background: Carum carvi L. (caraway), known as black zeera in Iran, has been indicated for the treatment of epilepsy in Iranian folk medicine. This study evaluated whether the aqueous extract and essential oil of caraway seeds have anticonvulsant effects in mice. Methods: The anticonvulsant effects of the aqueous extract (200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 mg/kg, i.p.) and essential oil (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) of caraway were assessed using pentylenetetrazol (PTZ; 95 mg/kg i.p.) induced convulsions. Diazepam (3 mg/kg) was used as positive control. The latency time before the onset of myoclonic, clonic, and tonic convulsions and the percentage of mortality were recorded. In addition, the effect of caraway on neuromuscular coordination was evaluated using the rotarod performance test. Results: The extract and essential oil dose-dependently increased the latency time to the onset of myoclonic (ED50, 1257 and 62.2 mg/kg, respectively) and clonic (ED50, 929 and 42.3 mg/kg, respectively) seizures. The extract and essential oil of caraway prevented the animals from tonic seizure with ED50s of 2142.4 and 97.6 mg/kg, respectively. The extract and essential oil of caraway protected 28.6 and 71.4% of the animals from PTZ-induced death, respectively, and had no significant effect on neuromuscular coordination. Conclusion: This study showed that the aqueous extract and essential oil of caraway had anticonvulsant properties. However, the essential oil was more potent and effective than was the aqueous extract as an anticonvulsant. Additionally, the anticonvulsant effect of caraway was not due to a muscle relaxant activity. These findings support the acclaimed antiepileptic effect of caraway in folk medicine and propose its potential use in petit mal seizure in humans. PMID:27217604

Novel, broad-spectrum anticonvulsants containing a sulfamide group: pharmacological properties of (S)-N-[(6-chloro-2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxin-2-yl)methyl]sulfamide (JNJ-26489112).

PubMed

McComsey, David F; Smith-Swintosky, Virginia L; Parker, Michael H; Brenneman, Douglas E; Malatynska, Ewa; White, H Steve; Klein, Brian D; Wilcox, Karen S; Milewski, Michael E; Herb, Mark; Finley, Michael F A; Liu, Yi; Lubin, Mary Lou; Qin, Ning; Reitz, Allen B; Maryanoff, Bruce E

2013-11-27

Broad-spectrum anticonvulsants are of considerable interest as antiepileptic drugs, especially because of their potential for treating refractory patients. Such "neurostabilizers" have also been used to treat other neurological disorders, including migraine, bipolar disorder, and neuropathic pain. We synthesized a series of sulfamide derivatives (4-9, 10a-i, 11a, 11b, 12) and evaluated their anticonvulsant activity. Thus, we identified promising sulfamide 4 (JNJ-26489112) and explored its pharmacological properties. Compound 4 exhibited excellent anticonvulsant activity in rodents against audiogenic, electrically induced, and chemically induced seizures. Mechanistically, 4 inhibited voltage-gated Na(+) channels and N-type Ca(2+) channels and was effective as a K(+) channel opener. The anticonvulsant profile of 4 suggests that it may be useful for treating multiple forms of epilepsy (generalized tonic-clonic, complex partial, absence seizures), including refractory (or pharmacoresistant) epilepsy, at dose levels that confer a good safety margin. On the basis of its pharmacology and other favorable characteristics, 4 was advanced into human clinical studies.

Comparative studies on the effects of clinically used anticonvulsants on the oxidative stress biomarkers in pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling model of epileptogenesis in mice.

PubMed

Mazhar, Faizan; Malhi, Saima M; Simjee, Shabana U

2017-01-01

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and contributes in underlying epileptogenesis process. Anticonvulsant drugs targeting the oxidative stress domain of epileptogenesis may provide better control of seizure. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of clinically used anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) on the course of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling and oxidative stress markers in mice. Six mechanistically heterogeneous anticonvulsants: phenobarbital, phenytoin, levetiracetam, pregabalin, topiramate, and felbamate were selected and their redox profiles were determined. Diazepam was used as a drug control for comparison. Kindling was induced by repeated injections of a sub-convulsive dose of PTZ (50 mg/kg, s.c.) on alternate days until seizure score 5 was evoked in the control kindled group. Anticonvulsants were administered daily. Following PTZ kindling, oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed in homogenized whole brain samples and estimated for the levels of nitric oxide, peroxide, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, reduced glutathione, and activities of nitric oxide synthase and superoxide dismutase. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species with a parallel decrease in endogenous anti-oxidants in PTZ-kindled control animals. Daily treatment with levetiracetam and felbamate significantly decreased the PTZ-induced seizure score as well as the levels of nitric oxide (p<0.001), nitric oxide synthase activity (p<0.05), peroxide levels (p<0.05), and malondialdehyde (p<0.05). Levetiracetam and felbamate significantly decreased lipid and protein peroxidation whereas topiramate was found to reduce lipid peroxidation only. An AED that produces anticonvulsant effect by the diversified mechanism of action such as levetiracetam, felbamate, and topiramate exhibited superior anti-oxidative stress activity in addition to their anticonvulsant activity.

Structural Exploration of Quinazolin-4(3H)-ones as Anticonvulsants: Rational Design, Synthesis, Pharmacological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies.

PubMed

Ugale, Vinod G; Bari, Sanjay B

2016-11-01

Anticonvulsants effective against multiple seizures are of wide interest as antiepileptic drugs, especially if active against pharmaco-resistant seizures. Herein, we synthesized 16 different, rationally designed 2-((6,7-dimethoxy-4-oxo-2-phenylquinazolin-3(4H)-yl)amino)-N-(substituted phenyl)acetamides and screened for anticonvulsant activities through in vivo experiments. Compound 4d emerged as prototype with excellent anti-seizure action in mice against electroshock, chemically induced and pharmaco-resistant 6-Hz seizure models with no symptoms of neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity (ED 50  = 23.5 mg/kg, MES, mice, i.p.; ED 50  = 32.6 mg/kg, scPTZ, mice, i.p.; ED 50  = 45.2 mg/kg, 6-Hz, mice, i.p.; TD 50  = 325.9 mg/kg, mice, i.p.). In addition, investigation of compound 4l in mice for its pharmacological profile proved it as safer anticonvulsant, devoid of the side effects such as motor dysfunction and hepatotoxicity of classical antiepileptic drugs (ED 50  = 26.1 mg/kg, MES, mice, i.p.; ED 50  = 79.4 mg/kg, scPTZ, mice, i.p.; TD 50  = 361.2 mg/kg, mice, i.p.). We also predicted physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of structurally optimized quinazolin-4(3H)-ones by a computational protocol. A combination of in vivo anticonvulsant profile, ex vivo toxicity, and in silico studies suggested that the synthesized compounds may be useful as broad-spectrum anti-seizure drug candidates with favorable pharmacokinetic parameters. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and discriminative effects of the AMPA antagonist 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(f)quinoxaline (NBQX).

PubMed

Swedberg, M D; Jacobsen, P; Honoré, T

1995-09-01

The anticonvulsant effects of 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(f)quinoxaline (NBQX), phencyclidine (PCP) and diazepam against audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice and against seizures induced by methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM) in NMRI mice were compared. Motor impairment was assessed in a rotarod apparatus in DBA/2 as well as NMRI mice. At 30 min after i.p. administration, NBQX was as effective as PCP and diazepam in protecting against audiogenic seizures and had a therapeutic ratio slightly higher than diazepam's and 7-fold higher than PCP's. Whereas diazepam was fully effective, NBQX and PCP were both ineffective against seizures induced by DMCM 30 min after i.p. administration. The anticonvulsant potential and motor-impairing effects of NBQX were evaluated further by the i.p. and the i.v. routes at different time points after administration. At all pretreatment intervals, NBQX protected against audiogenic seizures more potently than it produced motor impairment. NBQX administered i.p. protected against DMCM-induced seizures when given 15 min but not 5 min before testing, whereas after i.v. administration NBQX produced anticonvulsant and motor-impairing effects in the same dose range. NBQX only slightly and non-dose-dependently attenuated the discriminative effects of pentylenetetrazole in rats, showing a limited anxiolytic potential. NBQX produced no PCP-like or morphine-like discriminative effects in rats, suggesting lack of PCP or opiate-like subjective effects. These data demonstrate that NBQX has anticonvulsant effects, has limited anxiolytic effects, and does not produce subjective effects of PCP or opiate type.

Anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of oligosaccharides from Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Higher Basidiomycetes).

PubMed

Tello, Isaac; Campos-Pena, Victoria; Montiel, Elizur; Rodriguez, Veronica; Aguirre-Moreno, Alma; Leon-Rivera, Ismael; Del Rio-Portilla, Federico; Herrera-Ruiz, Maribel; Villeda-Hernandez, Juana

2013-01-01

An oligosaccharide fraction isolated from the mycelium of the Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (GLOS) was separated by size-exclusion chromatography. The chemical structure of GLOS consists of a disaccharide repeating unit [-4-β-1-Galf(1-6)-O-(β-Glcp)-1-]n (n=3,4). In addition, this study was undertaken to determine the possible anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of GLOS (10-80 mg/kg) on kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures. The behavioral alterations and histopathology of hippocampal neurons were studied. Our results show that GLOS inhibited convulsions in rats from KA-induced seizures, reduced the degeneration pattern in the CA3 region of rats, decreased astrocytic reactivity, and reduced the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α induced by KA. These results indicate a potential anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of GLOS.

Montelukast potentiates the anticonvulsant effect of phenobarbital in mice: an isobolographic analysis.

PubMed

Fleck, Juliana; Marafiga, Joseane Righes; Jesse, Ana Cláudia; Ribeiro, Leandro Rodrigo; Rambo, Leonardo Magno; Mello, Carlos Fernando

2015-04-01

Although leukotrienes have been implicated in seizures, no study has systematically investigated whether the blockade of CysLT1 receptors synergistically increases the anticonvulsant action of classic antiepileptics. In this study, behavioral and electroencephalographic methods, as well as isobolographic analysis, are used to show that the CysLT1 inverse agonist montelukast synergistically increases the anticonvulsant action of phenobarbital against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. Moreover, it is shown that LTD4 reverses the effect of montelukast. The experimentally derived ED50mix value for a fixed-ratio combination (1:1 proportion) of montelukast plus phenobarbital was 0.06±0.02 μmol, whereas the additively calculated ED50add value was 0.49±0.03 μmol. The calculated interaction index was 0.12, indicating a synergistic interaction. The association of montelukast significantly decreased the antiseizure ED50 for phenobarbital (0.74 and 0.04 μmol in the absence and presence of montelukast, respectively) and, consequently, phenobarbital-induced sedation at equieffective doses. The demonstration of a strong synergism between montelukast and phenobarbital is particularly relevant because both drugs are already used in the clinics, foreseeing an immediate translational application for epileptic patients who have drug-resistant seizures. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fucosterol, a sterol extracted from Sargassum fusiforme, shows antidepressant and anticonvulsant effects.

PubMed

Zhen, Xing-Hua; Quan, Ying-Chun; Jiang, Hai-Ying; Wen, Zheng-Shun; Qu, You-Le; Guan, Li-Ping

2015-12-05

We previously showed that extracts of Sargassum fusiforme significantly reduce immobility time in the forced swim test and tail suspension test, suggesting that these extracts possess antidepressant-like effects. Here, fucosterol extracted from S. fusiforme was evaluated for antidepressant and anticonvulsant activities in mice. Fucosterol (10, 20, 30 and 40mg/kg) significantly shortened immobility time in the forced swim test and tail suspension test for30min after treatment but had no effect on locomotor activity in the open field test. Fucosterol significantly increased serotonin, norepinephrine and the metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in mouse brain, suggesting that the effects of fucosterol may be mediated through these neurotransmitters. As assessed using maximal electroshock, fucosterol (20, 40, 100mg/kg) possessed anticonvulsant activity, whereas rotarod toxicity test results indicated that fucosterol did not induce neurotoxicity at the same dose levels in mice. Thus, fucosterol may be a useful antidepressant adjunct candidate for treating depression in patients with epilepsy. A significant increase in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels was found in the fucosterol 20mg/kg group (P<0.05). Our findings suggested that fucosterol may possess an antidepressant-like effect, which may be mediated by increasing central BDNF levels. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, sedative and anxiolytic activity of citicoline in rats.

PubMed

Abdolmaleki, Arash; Moghimi, Ali; Ghayour, Mohammad B; Rassouli, Morteza B

2016-10-15

Citicoline (cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine) is a neuroprotective agent that is administered following ischemic and traumatic brain injuries. There is little information about the antiseizure and anxiolytic effects of citicoline, which are therefore addressed in the present study. For evaluating the anticonvulsant effect of citicoline in the pentylentetrazole seizure model, a single intraperitoneal dose of citicoline was administered at 50, 100 or 150mg/kg. Sedative and anxiolytic effects of citicoline were examined via elevated plus maze and pentobarbital induced sleep tests. Results show that citicoline at the doses of 100 and 150mg/kg significantly delayed the latent period compared with the control (P<0.05). Citicoline at the doses of 100 and 150mg/kg significantly decreased total locomotion compared with the control (P<0.05). Additionally, citicoline at the doses of 100 and 150mg/kg significantly increased both percentage of entry and time spent in the open arms in the elevated plus maze test (P<0.05). The pentobarbital induced sleep test showed that citicoline significantly reduced the latency to sleep (P<0.05). Our results suggest that acute administration of citicoline has anticonvulsant activity and sedative effect. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated homogeneous liposome immunoassay systems for anticonvulsant drugs.

PubMed

Kubotsu, K; Goto, S; Fujita, M; Tuchiya, H; Kida, M; Takano, S; Matsuura, S; Sakurabayashi, I

1992-06-01

We developed automated homogeneous immunoassays, based on immunolysis of liposomes, for measuring phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine from serum. Liposome lysis was detected spectrophotometrically from entrapped glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. The procedure was fully automated on a routine automated clinical analyzer. Within-run, between-run, dilution, and recovery tests showed good accuracies and reproducibilities. Bilirubin, hemoglobin, triglycerides, and Intrafat did not affect assay results. The results obtained by liposome immunoassays for phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine correlated well with those obtained by enzyme-multiplied immunoassay (Syva EMIT) kits (r = 0.995, 0.986, and 0.988, respectively) and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (Abbott TDx) kits (r = 0.990, 0.991, and 0.975, respectively). The proposed method should be useful for monitoring anticonvulsant drug concentrations in blood.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant evaluation of dimethylethanolamine analogues of valproic acid and its tetramethylcyclopropyl analogue.

PubMed

Shekh-Ahmad, Tawfeeq; Bialer, Meir; Yavin, Eylon

2012-02-01

Valproic acid (VPA) is a major antiepileptic drug (AED) that is less potent than other AEDs. 2,2,3,3-Tetramethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid (TMCA) is an inactive cyclopropyl analogue of VPA that serves as a starting material for the synthesis of CNS-active compounds. New conjugation products between N,N'-dimethylethanolamine to VPA and TMCA to form N,N-dimethylethanolamine valproate (DEVA) and N,N-dimethylethanolamine 2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropionate were synthesized and their anticonvulsant activity was assessed in the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous metrazol (scMet) seizure tests and the hippocampal kindling model in mice and/or rats. An amide analogue of DEVA (DEVAMIDE) was also synthesized and evaluated. The pharmacokinetics of DEVA and DEVAMIDE was comparatively evaluated in rats. In rats DEVA acted as a prodrug of VPA and had ED(50) values of 73 mg/kg and 158 mg/kg in the MES and the hippocampal kindling models, respectively. At these two anticonvulsant models DEVA was seven-times more potent than VPA. DEVAMIDE was active in the MES test at doses of 100 mg/kg (mice) and its rat-MES-ED(50)=38.6 mg/kg however, its protective index (PI=TD(50)/ED(50)) was twice lower than DEVA's PI. The TMCA analogues were inactive at the mice MES and scMet models. DEVA underwent rapid metabolic hydrolysis to VPA and consequently, in its pharmacokinetic analysis only VPA plasma levels were monitored. In contrast, DEVAMIDE was stable in whole blood. DEVA acts in rats as a prodrug of VPA yet shows a more potent anticonvulsant activity than VPA. DEVAMIDE acted as the drug on its own and was more potent than DEVA at the rat-MES test. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of organic surface coatings on the sorption of anticonvulsants on mineral surfaces.

PubMed

Qu, Shen; Cwiertny, David M

2013-10-01

Here, we explore the role that sorption to mineral surfaces plays in the fate of two commonly encountered effluent-derived pharmaceuticals, the anticonvulsants phenytoin and carbamazepine. Adsorption isotherms and pH-edge experiments are consistent with electrostatics governing anticonvulsant uptake on metal oxides typically found in soil and aquifer material (e.g., Si, Al, Fe, Mn, and Ti). Appreciable, albeit limited, adsorption was observed only for phenytoin, which is anionic above pH 8.3, on the iron oxides hematite and ferrihydrite. Adsorption increased substantially in the presence of cationic and anionic surfactants, species also commonly encountered in wastewater effluent. For carbamazepine, we propose the enhanced uptake results entirely from hydrophobic interactions with apolar tails of surfactant surface coatings. For phenytoin, adsorption also arises from the ability of surfactants to alter the net charge of the mineral surface and thereby further enhance favorable electrostatic interactions with its anionic form. Collectively, our results demonstrate that although pristine mineral surfaces are likely not major sinks for phenytoin and carbamazepine in the environment, their alteration with organic matter, particularly surfactants, can considerably increase their ability to retain these emerging pollutants in subsurface systems.

Design and synthesis of new of 3-(benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)-1-substituted pyrrolidine-2, 5-dione derivatives as anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Malik, Sachin; Ahuja, Priya; Sahu, Kapendra; Khan, Suroor Ahmad

2014-09-12

A series of 3-(benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)-N-substituted pyrrolidine-2, 5-dione (7a-7d, 8a-8d, 9a-9c) have been prepared and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activities. Preliminary anticonvulsant activity was performed using maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) tests after intraperitoneal (ip) injection into mice, which are the most widely employed models for early identification of anticonvulsant candidate. The acute neurological toxicity (NT) was determined applying rotorod test. The quantitative evaluation after oral administration in rats showed that the most active was 3-(benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl) pyrrolidine-2, 5-dione (8a) with ED50 values of 14.90 mg/kg. Similarly the most potent in scPTZ was 3-(benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)-1-cyclohexylpyrrolidine-2, 5-dione (7d) with ED50 values of 42.30 mg/kg. These molecules were more potent and less neurotoxic than phenytoin and ethosuximide which were used as reference antiepileptic drugs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects of EGIS-8332, a non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist, in a range of animal models

PubMed Central

Gigler, G; Móricz, K; ágoston, M; Simó, A; Albert, M; Benedek, A; Kapus, G; Kertész, S; Vegh, M; Barkóczy, J; Markó, B; Szabó, G; Matucz, É; Gacsályi, I; Lévay, G; Hársing, L G; Szénási, G

2007-01-01

Background and purpose: Blockade of AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptors is a good treatment option for a variety of central nervous system disorders. The present study evaluated the neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects of EGIS-8332, a non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist, as a potential drug candidate. Experimental approach: AMPA antagonist effects of EGIS-8332 were measured using patch-clamp techniques. Neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects of EGIS-8332 were evaluated in various experimental models, relative to those of GYKI 53405. Key results: EGIS-8332 inhibited AMPA currents in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells and inhibited the AMPA- and quisqualate-induced excitotoxicity in primary cultures of telencephalon neurons (IC50=5.1-9.0 μM), in vitro. Good anticonvulsant actions were obtained in maximal electroshock-, sound- and chemically-induced seizures (range of ED50=1.4-14.0 mg kg−1 i.p.) in mice. Four days after transient global cerebral ischaemia, EGIS-8332 decreased neuronal loss in the hippocampal CA1 area in gerbils and rats. EGIS-8332 dose-dependently reduced cerebral infarct size after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice and rats (minimum effective dose=3 mg kg−1 i.p.). Side effects of EGIS-8332 emerged much above its pharmacologically active doses. A tendency for better efficacy of GYKI 53405 than that of EGIS-8332 was observed in anticonvulsant tests that reached statistical significance in few cases, while the contrary was perceived in cerebral ischaemia tests. Conclusions and implications: EGIS-8332 seems suitable for further development for the treatment of epilepsy, ischaemia and stroke based on its efficacy in a variety of experimental disease models, and on its low side effect potential. PMID:17603549

Novel, Broad-Spectrum Anticonvulsants Containing a Sulfamide Group: Pharmacological Properties of (S)-N-[(6-Chloro-2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxin-2-yl)methyl]sulfamide (JNJ-26489112)

PubMed Central

McComsey, David F.; Smith-Swintosky, Virginia L.; Parker, Michael H.; Brenneman, Douglas E.; Malatynska, Ewa; White, H. Steve; Klein, Brian D.; Wilcox, Karen S.; Milewski, Michael E.; Herb, Mark; Finley, Michael F. A.; Liu, Yi; Lubin, Mary Lou; Qin, Ning; Reitz, Allen B.; Maryanoff, Bruce E.

2014-01-01

Broad-spectrum anticonvulsants are of considerable interest as antiepileptic drugs, especially because of their potential for treating refractory patients. Such “neurostabilizers” have also been used to treat other neurological disorders, including migraine, bipolar disorder, and neuropathic pain. We synthesized a series of sulfamide derivatives (4–9, 10a–i, 11a, 11b, 12) and evaluated their anticonvulsant activity. Thus, we identified promising sulfamide 4 (JNJ-26489112) and explored its pharmacological properties. Compound 4 exhibited excellent anticonvulsant activity in rodents against audiogenic, electrically-induced, and chemically-induced seizures. Mechanistically, 4 inhibited voltage-gated Na+ channels and N-type Ca2+ channels, and was effective as a K+ channel opener. The anticonvulsant profile of 4 suggests that it may be useful for treating multiple forms of epilepsy (generalized tonic-clonic, complex partial, absence seizures), including refractory (or pharmacoresistant) epilepsy, at dose levels that confer a good safety margin. On the basis of its pharmacology and other favorable characteristics, 4 was advanced into human clinical studies. PMID:24205976

Additive anticonvulsant effects of agmatine and lithium chloride on pentylenetetrazole-induced clonic seizure in mice: involvement of α₂-adrenoceptor.

PubMed

Bahremand, Arash; Ziai, Pouya; Payandemehr, Borna; Rahimian, Reza; Amouzegar, Afsaneh; Khezrian, Mina; Montaser-Kouhsari, Laleh; Meibodi, Maryam Aghaei; Ebrahimi, Ali; Ghasemi, Abbas; Ghasemi, Mehdi; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2011-09-01

After 60 years, lithium is still the mainstay in the treatment of mood disorders and widely used in clinic. In addition to its mood stabilizer effects, lithium also shows some anticonvulsant properties. Similar to lithium, agmatine also plays a protective role in the CNS against seizures and has been reported to enhance the effect of different antiepileptic agents. Moreover, both agmatine and lithium have modulatory effects on α(2)-adrenoceptors. So, we designed this study: 1) to investigate whether agmatine and lithium show an additive effect against clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole; 2) to assess whether this additive effect is mediated through the α(2)-adrenoceptor or not. In our study, acute administration of a single effective dose of lithium chloride (30 mg/kg, i.p.) increased the seizure threshold. Pre-treatment with low and, per se, non-effective doses of agmatine (1 and 3mg/kg) potentiated a sub-effective dose of lithium (10mg/kg). Interestingly, the anticonvulsant effects of these effective combinations of lithium and agmatine were prevented by pre-treatment with low and non-effective doses of yohimbine [α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist] (0.1 and 0.5mg/kg). On the other hand, clonidine [α(2)-adrenoceptor agonist] augmented the anticonvulsant effect of a sub-effective combination of lithium (5mg/kg i.p.) and agmatine (1mg/kg) at relatively low doses (0.1 and 0.25mg/kg). In summary, our findings demonstrate that agmatine and lithium chloride exhibit additive anticonvulsant properties which seem to be mediated through α(2)-adrenoceptor. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Anticonvulsant medications attenuate amphetamine-induced deficits in behavioral inhibition but not decision making under risk on a rat gambling task.

PubMed

Tremblay, Melanie; Winstanley, Catharine A

2016-11-01

Impulsivity is a major component of mania in bipolar disorder (BD), and patients also show impairments in decision-making involving risk on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Similar deficits are observed in some patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and incidence of problem gambling is higher in both these populations. Anticonvulsant drugs are widely used in the treatment of epilepsy, but also as mood stabilizers and prophylaxis for the management of BD. Unfortunately, little is still known about the precise mechanisms of action underlying their efficacy, and the specific behavioral aspect targeted by these drugs. This project explored the effect of the three anticonvulsant drugs currently also used as mood stabilizers- carbamazepine, valproate and lamotrigine on aspects of decision-making using a rat analogue of the IGT, the rat Gambling Task (rGT). In this task, rats choose between four distinct, probabilistic reinforcement schedules. Sugar pellet profits are maximized by adopting a conservative strategy, avoiding tempting high-risk, high-reward options. Effects of the anticonvulsant agents were assessed on baseline performance and also in conjunction with amphetamine administration, in order to approximate a "mania-like" state. Carbamazepine appeared to slow processing speed, decreasing premature responses and increasing choice latency, whereas valproate and lamotrigine had no effect. When administered prior to amphetamine, lamotrigine was the only drug that failed to attenuate the pro-impulsive effect of the psychostimulant. Further studies looking at chronic administration of anticonvulsants may help us understand the impact of this medication class on decision-making and impulsivity in healthy rats and disease models. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anticonvulsant Effects of Fractions Isolated from Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) Ant Venom (Formicidae: Ponerinae).

PubMed

Nôga, Diana Aline Morais Ferreira; Brandão, Luiz Eduardo Mateus; Cagni, Fernanda Carvalho; Silva, Delano; de Azevedo, Dina Lilia Oliveira; Araújo, Arrilton; Dos Santos, Wagner Ferreira; Miranda, Antonio; da Silva, Regina Helena; Ribeiro, Alessandra Mussi

2016-12-23

Natural products, sources of new pharmacological substances, have large chemical diversity and architectural complexity. In this context, some toxins obtained from invertebrate venoms have anticonvulsant effects. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects about 65 million people worldwide, and approximately 30% of cases are resistant to pharmacological treatment. Previous studies from our group show that the denatured venom of the ant Dinoponera quadriceps (Kempt) protects mice against bicuculline (BIC)-induced seizures and death. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of compounds isolated from D. quadriceps venom against seizures induced by BIC in mice. Crude venom was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulting in six fractions referred to as DqTx1-DqTx6. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis revealed a major 431 Da compound in fractions DqTx1 and DqTx2. Fractions DqTx3 and DqTx4 showed a compound of 2451 Da and DqTx5 revealed a 2436 Da compound. Furthermore, the DqTx6 fraction exhibited a major component with a molecular weight of 13,196 Da. Each fraction (1 mg/mL) was microinjected into the lateral ventricle of mice, and the animals were observed in an open field. We did not observe behavioral alterations when the fractions were given alone. Conversely, when the fractions were microinjected 20 min prior to the administration of BIC (21.6 nM), DqTx1, DqTx4, and DqTx6 fractions increased the latency for onset of tonic-clonic seizures. Moreover, all fractions, except DqTx5, increased latency to death. The more relevant result was obtained with the DqTx6 fraction, which protected 62.5% of the animals against tonic-clonic seizures. Furthermore, this fraction protected 100% of the animals from seizure episodes followed by death. Taken together, these findings indicate that compounds from ant venom might be a potential source of new anticonvulsants molecules.

Anticonvulsant and Antioxidant Effects of Tilia americana var. mexicana and Flavonoids Constituents in the Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures

PubMed Central

Cárdenas-Rodríguez, Noemí; González-Trujano, María Eva; Aguirre-Hernández, Eva; Ruíz-García, Matilde; Sampieri, Aristides; Coballase-Urrutia, Elvia; Carmona-Aparicio, Liliana

2014-01-01

Tilia genus is commonly used around the world for its central nervous system properties; it is prepared as tea and used as tranquilizing, anticonvulsant, and analgesic. In this study, anticonvulsant activity of the Tilia americana var. mexicana inflorescences and leaves was investigated by evaluating organic and aqueous extracts (100, 300, and 600 mg/kg, i.p.) and some flavonoids in the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice. Moreover, antioxidant effect of these extracts and flavonoids was examined in an in vitro study by using spectrophotometric technique. Significant activity was observed in the methanol extract from inflorescences. An HPLC analysis of the methanol extract from inflorescences and leaves of Tilia allowed demonstrating the respective presence of some partial responsible flavonoid constituents: quercetin (20.09 ± 1.20 μg/mg and 3.39 ± 0.10 μg/mg), rutin (3.52 ± 0.21 μg/mg and 8.94 ± 0.45 μg/mg), and isoquercitrin (1.74 ± 0.01 μg/mg and 1.24 ± 0.13 μg/mg). In addition, significant but different antioxidant properties were obtained among the flavonoids and the extracts investigated. Our results provide evidence of the anticonvulsant activity of Tilia reinforcing its utility for central nervous system diseases whose mechanism of action might involve partial antioxidant effects due to the presence of flavonoids. PMID:25197430

Adaptation of Lorke's method to determine and compare ED50 values: the cases of two anticonvulsants drugs.

PubMed

Garrido-Acosta, Osvaldo; Meza-Toledo, Sergio Enrique; Anguiano-Robledo, Liliana; Valencia-Hernández, Ignacio; Chamorro-Cevallos, Germán

2014-01-01

We determined the median effective dose (ED50) values for the anticonvulsants phenobarbital and sodium valproate using a modification of Lorke's method. This modification allowed appropriate statistical analysis and the use of a smaller number of mice per compound tested. The anticonvulsant activities of phenobarbital and sodium valproate were evaluated in male CD1 mice by maximal electroshock (MES) and intraperitoneal administration of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). The anticonvulsant ED50 values were obtained through modifications of Lorke's method that involved changes in the selection of the three first doses in the initial test and the fourth dose in the second test. Furthermore, a test was added to evaluate the ED50 calculated by the modified Lorke's method, allowing statistical analysis of the data and determination of the confidence limits for ED50. The ED50 for phenobarbital against MES- and PTZ-induced seizures was 16.3mg/kg and 12.7mg/kg, respectively. The sodium valproate values were 261.2mg/kg and 159.7mg/kg, respectively. These results are similar to those found using the traditional methods of finding ED50, suggesting that the modifications made to Lorke's method generate equal results using fewer mice while increasing confidence in the statistical analysis. This adaptation of Lorke's method can be used to determine median letal dose (LD50) or ED50 for compounds with other pharmacological activities. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Imidazole incorporated semicarbazone derivatives as a new class of anticonvulsants: design, synthesis and in-vivo screening.

PubMed

Amir, Mohammad; Ali, Israr; Hassan, Mohd Zaheen

2013-06-01

A series of novel imidazole incorporated semicarbazones was synthesized using an appropriate synthetic route and characterized by spectral analysis (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass). The anticonvulsant activity of the synthesized compounds was determined using doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg kg-1 against maximal electroshock seizure (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) induced seizure and minimal neurotoxicity test. Six compounds exhibited protection in both models and 2-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethylidene)-N-p-tolylsemicarbazone emerged as the most active compound of the series without any neurotoxicity and significant CNS depressant effect. Liver enzyme estimations (SGOT, SGPT, Alkaline phosphatase) of the compound also showed no significant change in the enzymes levels. Moreover, it caused 80% elevation of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) levels in the whole mice brain, thus indicating that it could be a promising candidate in designing of a potent anticonvulsant drug.

The anticonvulsant action of AHR-11748 on kindled amygdaloid seizures in rats.

PubMed

Albertson, T E; Walby, W F

1987-03-01

The anticonvulsant effectiveness of AHR-11748 (3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-1-azetidinecarboxamide) was evaluated in the kindled amygdaloid seizure model in rats. Doses of AHR-11748 that did not cause prestimulation toxicity significantly attenuated elicited afterdischarge durations and the severity of the accompanying behavioral convulsive response in previously kindled rats. AHR-11748 (25-100 mg/kg i.p.) was evaluated at 30 min in previously kindled rats using both threshold (20 microA increments) and suprathreshold (400 microA) paradigms. AHR-11748 (50-100.mg/kg) reduced suprathreshold elicited after discharges and seizure severity. Utilizing a suprathreshold kindling paradigm, the maximum anticonvulsant effectiveness for the 100 mg/kg i.p. dose of AHR-11748 was seen at 180 min. AHR-11748 significantly elevated seizure thresholds only at the 100 mg/kg dose. AHR-11748 (25-100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the severity of threshold elicited seizures. When AHR-11748 (50 and 100 mg/kg i.p.) was administered daily during kindling acquisition, the number of daily trials necessary to complete kindling significantly increased. A reduction in both the duration and the severity of the responses induced by the daily stimulations during the acquisition period was seen with AHR-11748 treatment. This study has demonstrated that AHR-11748 significantly modifies both the acquisition of kindling and the fully kindled amygdaloid seizures at doses that do not cause behavioral toxicity.

Effects of anticonvulsants on soman-induced epileptiform activity in the guinea-pig in vitro hippocampus.

PubMed

Harrison, Patrick K; Sheridan, Robert D; Green, A Chris; Tattersall, John E H

2005-08-22

Seizures arising from acetylcholinesterase inhibition are a feature of organophosphate anticholinesterase intoxication. Although benzodiazepines are effective against these seizures, alternative anticonvulsant drugs may possess greater efficacy and fewer side-effects. We have investigated in the guinea-pig hippocampal slice preparation the ability of a series of anticonvulsants to suppress epileptiform bursting induced by the irreversible organophosphate anticholinesterase, soman (100 nM). Carbamazepine (300 microM), phenytoin (100 microM), topiramate (100-300 microM) and retigabine (1-30 microM) reduced the frequency of bursting but only carbamazepine and phenytoin induced a concurrent reduction in burst duration. Felbamate (100-500 microM) and clomethiazole (100-300 microM) had no effect on burst frequency but decreased burst duration. Clozapine (3-30 microM) reduced the frequency but did not influence burst duration. Levetiracetam (100-300 microM) and gabapentin (100-300 microM) were without effect. These data suggest that several compounds, in particular clomethiazole, clozapine, felbamate, topiramate and retigabine, merit further evaluation as possible treatments for organophosphate poisoning.

Differential effects of valproic acid and enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants on nimodipine pharmacokinetics in epileptic patients

PubMed Central

Tartara, A.; Galimberti, C.A.; Manni, R.; Parietti, L.; Zucca, C.; Baasch, H.; Caresia, L.; Mück, W.; Barzaghi, N.; Gatti, G.; Perucca, E.

1991-01-01

1 The single dose pharmacokinetics of orally administered nimodipine (60 mg) were investigated in normal subjects and in two groups of epileptic patients receiving chronic treatment with hepatic microsomal enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbitone or phenytoin) and sodium valproate, respectively. 2 Compared with the values found in the control group, mean areas under the plasma nimodipine concentration curve were lowered by about seven-fold (P < 0.01) in patients taking enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants and increased by about 50% (P < 0.05) in patients taking sodium valproate. 3 Nimodipine half-lives were shorter in enzyme-induced patients than in controls (3.9 ± 2.0 h vs 9.1 ± 3.4 h, means ± s.d., P < 0.01), but this difference could be artifactual since in the patients drug concentrations declined rapidly below the limit of assay, thus preventing identification of a possible slower terminal phase. In valproate-treated patients, half-lives (8.2 ± 1.8 h) were similar to those found in controls. PMID:1777370

Evaluation of anticonvulsant and nootropic effect of ondansetron in mice.

PubMed

Jain, S; Agarwal, N B; Mediratta, P K; Sharma, K K

2012-09-01

The role of serotonin receptors have been implicated in various types of experimentally induced seizures. Ondansetron is a highly selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT(3)) receptor antagonist used as antiemetic agent for chemotherapy-, and radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The present study was carried out to examine the effect of ondansetron on electroshock, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and cognitive functions in mice. Ondansetron was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) at doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg (single dose) to observe its effect on the increasing current electroshock seizure (ICES) test and PTZ-induced seizure test. In addition, a chronic study (21 days) was also performed to assess the effects of ondansetron on electroshock-induced convulsions and cognitive functions. The effect on cognition was assessed by elevated plus maze and passive avoidance paradigms. Phenytoin (25 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as a standard anticonvulsant drug and piracetam (200 mg/kg) was administered as a standard nootropic drug. The results were compared with an acute study, wherein it was found that the administration of ondansetron (1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg) significantly raised the seizure-threshold current as compared to control group in the ICES test. Similar results were observed after chronic administration of ondansetron. In PTZ test, ondansetron in all the three tested doses failed to show protective effect against PTZ-induced seizure test. Administration of ondansetron for 21 days significantly decreased the transfer latency (TL) and prolonged the step-down latency (SDL). The results of present study suggest the anticonvulsant and memory-enhancing effect of ondansetron in mice.

Preliminary Screening of a Classical Ayurvedic Formulation for Anticonvulsant Activity.

PubMed

Dhar, Arnab; Maurya, Santosh Kumar; Mishra, Ashish; Singh, Gireesh Kumar; Singh, Manoj Kumar; Seth, Ankit

2016-01-01

Epilepsy is a serious and complex central nervous system disorder associated with recurrent episodes of convulsive seizures due to the imbalance between excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory (GABAergic) neurotransmitters level in the brain. The available treatments are neither competent to control the seizures nor prevent progress of disease. Since ages, Herbal medicines have remained important sources of medicines in many parts of world which is evidenced through their uses in traditional systems of medicine i.e. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy and Chinese etc. A polyherbal formulation (containing Terminalia chebula Retz., Asparagus racemosus Willd., Embelia ribes Burm. F, Acorus calamus L., Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers, Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy, Saussurea lappa C.B.Clarke, Achyranthes aspera L.) is mentioned in Ayurvedic classics Bhaiṣajya Ratnāvali . The aim of the study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of the formulation in Maximum electroshock and Pentylenetetrazole induced convulsions in rats. In the present study, a polyherbal formulation was developed as directed by classical text and evaluated for the anticonvulsant activity using Maximal Electroshock Shock (MES) and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsions in rats. Statistical comparison was done by one way ANOVA followed by the Tukey's multiple comparison test. The obtained results showed that the PHF had a protective role on epilepsy. Treatment with PHF significantly improves antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels significantly as compared to controls. PHF also significantly decreased malonaldialdehyde (MDA) levels in the brain. Moreover, it also attenuated the PTZ-induced increase in the activity of GABA-T in the rat brain. These findings suggest that PHF might have possible efficacy in the treatment of epilepsy.

Anticonvulsant properties of Euterpe oleracea in mice.

PubMed

Souza-Monteiro, José Rogerio; Hamoy, Moisés; Santana-Coelho, Danielle; Arrifano, Gabriela P F; Paraense, Ricardo S O; Costa-Malaquias, Allan; Mendonça, Jackson R; da Silva, Rafael F; Monteiro, Wallena S C; Rogez, Hervé; de Oliveira, Diogo L; do Nascimento, José Luiz M; Crespo-López, Maria Elena

2015-11-01

Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), a highly consumed fruit in Amazon, is from a common palm with remarkable antioxidant properties. Because oxidative stress and seizures are intimately linked, this study investigated the potential neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects of commercial clarified açai juice (EO). EO did not alter spontaneous locomotor activity. Four doses of EO were sufficient to increase latencies to both first myoclonic jerk and first generalized tonic-clonic seizure and significantly decrease the total duration of tonic-clonic seizures caused by pentylenetetrazol administration. Also, electrocortical alterations provoked by pentylenetetrazol were prevented, significantly decreasing amplitude of discharges and frequencies above 50 Hz. EO was also able to completely prevent lipid peroxidation in the cerebral cortex, showing a potent direct scavenging property. These results demonstrate for the first time that E. oleracea significantly protects against seizures and seizure-related oxidative stress, indicating an additional protection for humans who consume this fruit. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anticonvulsant properties of methanol leaf extract of Laggera Aurita Linn. F. (Asteraceae) in laboratory animals.

PubMed

Malami, S; Kyari, H; Danjuma, N M; Ya'u, J; Hussaini, I M

2016-09-15

Preparation of Laggera aurita Linn. (Asteraceae) is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various kinds of diseases such as epilepsy, malaria, fever, pain and asthma. Its efficacy is widely acclaimed among communities in Northern Nigeria. The present study is aimed at establishing the possible anticonvulsant effects of the methanol leaf extract of Laggera aurita using acute and chronic anticonvulsant models. Median lethal dose (LD50) was determined in mice and rats via oral and intraperitoneal routes. Anticonvulsant screening of the extract was performed using maximal electroshock-induced seizure test in day-old chicks; pentylenetetrazole-, strychnine- and picrotoxin- induced seizure models in mice. Similarly; its effects on pentylenetetrazole-induce kindling in rats as well as when co-administered with fluphenamic and cyproheptadine in mice, were evaluated. Median lethal dose (LD50) values were found to be >5000mg/kg, p.o. and 2154mg/kg, i.p., each for both rats and mice. The extract showed dose dependent protection against tonic hind limb extension (THLE) and significantly (p<0.05) decreased the mean recovery from seizure in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure. In the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model, the extract offered 50% protection at 600mg/kg and also increased the mean onset of seizure at all doses with significant (p<0.05) increase at the highest dose (600mg/kg). Similarly the extract produced significant (p<0.05) increase in the onset of seizures in both strychnine- and picrotoxin- induced seizure models, at all the doses except at 150mg/kg for the picrotoxin model. Co-administration of fluphenamic acid (FFA) (5mg/kg) and the extract (600mg/kg) showed an enhanced effect with percentage protection of 70% while co-administration of FFA (5mg/kg) and phenytoin (5mg/kg) as well phenytoin (5mg/kg) and the extract (600mg/kg) produced an additive effect. Administration of the extract (600mg/kg), phenytoin (20mg/kg) and cyproheptadine (4mg

Antidepressant, anticonvulsant and antinociceptive effects of 3'-methoxy-6-methylflavone and 3'-hydroxy-6-methylflavone may involve GABAergic mechanisms.

PubMed

Karim, Nasiara; Khan, Imran; Ahmad, Naveed; Umar, Muhammad Naveed; Gavande, Navnath

2017-10-01

GABA A receptors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression, epilepsy and pain disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate two novel synthetic flavones, 3'-methoxy-6-methylflavone (3'-MeO6MF) and 3'-hydroxy-6-methylflavone (3'-OH6MF), for their effect on GABA A receptors and subsequently investigate their antidepressant, anticonvulsant and antinociceptive effects. Recombinant GABA A receptor subunits were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and a two electrode voltage clamp technique was used for electrophysiological studies. The antidepressant and anticonvulsant activities were determined using forced swim (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST) and bicuculline (BIC)-induced seizures respectively. Furthermore, the antinociceptive activity was determined using tail immersion and hot plate tests. 3'-MeO6MF and 3'-OH6MF potentiated GABA-induced currents through ternary α1-2β1-3γ2L and binary α1β2 receptors indicating that the positive modulation by these flavonoids is not dependent on the γ subunit. In behavioral studies, 3'-MeO6MF and 3'-OH6MF (10-100mg/kg, ip) exerted significant antidepressant like effects in the FST and TST. 3'-MeO6MF (10-100mg/kg) and 3'-OH6MF (30 and 100mg/kg) also exhibited significant anticonvulsant effects in BIC-induced seizures, and antinociceptive activity in tail immersion and hot plate tests (*p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001). Furthermore, the antidepressant and antinociceptive activities of 3'-MeO6MF and 3'-OH6MF were partially ameliorated by co-administration of BIC (3mg/kg) suggesting the involvement of GABAergic mechanisms. The findings of this study suggest that 3'-MeO6MF and 3'-OH6MF exhibited significant antidepressant, anticonvulsant and antinociceptive effects mediated via interactions with GABA A receptors. Copyright © 2017 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

Schiff Bases of Benzothiazol-2-ylamine and Thiazolo[5,4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine as Anticonvulsants: Synthesis, Characterization and Toxicity Profiling.

PubMed

Shukla, Rashmi; Singh, Ajeet P; Sonar, Pankaj K; Mishra, Mudita; Saraf, Shailendra K

2016-01-01

Schiff bases have a broad spectrum of biological activities like antiinflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antitubercular, anticancer, antioxidant, anthelmintic and so forth. Thus, after a thorough perusal of literature, it was decided to conjugate benzothiazol-2-ylamine/thiazolo [5, 4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine with aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes to get a series of Schiff bases. Synthesis, characterization, in-silico toxicity profiling and anticonvulsant activity of the Schiff bases of Benzothiazol-2-ylamine and Thiazolo [5, 4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine. Aniline/4-aminopyridine was converted to the corresponding thiourea derivatives, which were cyclized to obtain benzothiazol-2-ylamine/thiazolo [5, 4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine. Finally, these were condensed with various aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes to obtain Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine and thiazolo [5, 4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine. The synthesized compounds were characterized and screened for their anticonvulsant activity using maximal electroshock (MES) test and isoniazid (INH) induced convulsions test. In-silico toxicity profiling of all the synthesized compounds was done through "Lazar" and "Osiris" properties explorer. Majority of the compounds were more potent against MES induced convulsions than INH induced convulsions. Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine were more effective than thiazolo [5, 4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine against MES induced convulsions. The compound benzothiazol-2-yl-(1H-indol-2-ylmethylene)-amine (VI) was the most potent member of the series against both types of convulsions. Compound VI exhibited the most significant activity profile in both the models. The compounds did not exhibit any carcinogenicity or acute toxicity in the in-silico studies. Thus, it may be concluded that the Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine exhibit the potential to be promising and non-toxic anticonvulsant agents.

Autoradiographic Distribution and Applied Pharmacological Characteristics of Dextromethorphan and Related Antitissue/Anticonvulsant Drugs and Novel Analogs

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-10-01

AD-A273 247 AD____ CONTRACT NO: DAMD17-90-C-0124 TITLE: AUTORADIOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DEXTROMETHORPHAN ...Anticonvulsants, Antitissue, Dextromethorphan , Autoradiography, Pharmacokinetics 16. PRICE CODE 17. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 18. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION...middle cerebral artery occlusion model with dextromethorphan , carbetapentane and three of the carbetapentane analogues, 11, B and D, which were

GABAA Receptors, Anesthetics and Anticonvulsants in Brain Development

PubMed Central

Henschel, Oliver; Gipson, Keith E.; Bordey, Angelique

2008-01-01

GABA, acting via GABAA receptors, is well-accepted as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the mature brain, where it dampens neuronal excitability. The receptor's properties have been studied extensively, yielding important information about its structure, pharmacology, and regulation that are summarized in this review. Several GABAergic drugs have been commonly used as anesthetics, sedatives, and anticonvulsants for decades. However, findings that GABA has critical functions in brain development, in particular during the late embryonic and neonatal period, raise worthwhile questions regarding the side effects of GABAergic drugs that may lead to long-term cognitive deficits. Here, we will review some of these drugs in parallel with the control of CNS development that GABA exerts via activation of GABAA receptors. This review aims to provide a basic science and clinical perspective on the function of GABA and related pharmaceuticals acting at GABAA receptors. PMID:18537647

Assessment of the Anticonvulsant Potency of Ursolic Acid in Seizure Threshold Tests in Mice.

PubMed

Nieoczym, Dorota; Socała, Katarzyna; Wlaź, Piotr

2018-05-01

Ursolic acid (UA) is a plant derived compound which is also a component of the standard human diet. It possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, i.e., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antitumor, which have been used in folk medicine for centuries. Moreover, influence of UA on central nervous system-related processes, i.e., pain, anxiety and depression, was proved in experimental studies. UA also revealed anticonvulsant properties in animal models of epilepsy and seizures. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of UA on seizure thresholds in three acute seizure models in mice, i.e., the 6 Hz-induced psychomotor seizure threshold test, the maximal electroshock threshold (MEST) test and the timed intravenous pentylenetetrazole (iv PTZ) infusion test. We also examined its effect on the muscular strength (assessed in the grip strength test) and motor coordination (estimated in the chimney test) in mice. UA at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly increased the seizure thresholds in the 6 Hz and MEST tests. The studied compound did not influence the seizure thresholds in the iv PTZ test. Moreover, UA did not affect the motor coordination and muscular strength in mice. UA displays only a weak anticonvulsant potential which is dependent on the used seizure model.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis, anticonvulsant activity, and docking study of indole-appended thiazolidin-4-ones.

PubMed

Nikalje, Anna Pratima G; Shaikh, Sameer I; Mulay, Abhineet; Khan, Firoz A K; Sangshetti, Jaiprakash N; Shaikh, Shoaib

2014-10-01

Two series of novel indolyl thiazolidin-4-one derivatives 4a-j and 5a-j were obtained by an ecofriendly synthetic protocol by treating a mixture of Schiff's bases (0.01 mol) with thioglycolic acid or thiolactic acid (0.01 mol) and anhydrous zinc chloride in catalytic amount in DMF as solvent under ultrasound irradiation, using an ultrasound synthesizer with a synthetic solid probe. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, (1) H NMR, (13) C NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity of the newly synthesized compounds were established by MES and sc-PTZ model and by rotarod test, respectively, in vivo using mouse models. The actophotometer was used for the screening of behavioral activity. The compounds exhibited promising anticonvulsant activity; especially, the compounds showed maximum protection in the MES model at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Further, docking studies of the synthesized compounds were performed against the sodium channel receptor and showed good binding interactions with the receptor. A computational study was carried out to highlight the pharmacophore distance mapping, log p determination, and pharmacokinetic parameters. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synthesis and in vivo anticonvulsant activity of 2-methyl-2-[3-(5-piperazin-1-yl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-phenyl]-propionitrile derivatives.

PubMed

Harish, Kikkeri P; Mohana, Kikkeri N; Mallesha, Lingappa; Veeresh, Bantal

2014-04-01

A series of new 2-methyl-2-[3-(5-piperazin-1-yl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-phenyl]-propionitrile derivatives 8a-o, 9a-c, 10a-d, and 11a-d were synthesized to meet the structural requirements essential for anticonvulsant property. The structures of all the synthesized compounds were confirmed by means of (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and mass spectral studies. The purity of the novel compounds was confirmed by elemental analyses. All the compounds were screened for their anticonvulsant activity against maximal electroshock (MES) seizure method and their neurotoxic effects were determined by rotorod test. Compounds 8d, 8e, and 8f were found to be the most potent of this series. The same compounds showed no neurotoxicity at the maximum dose administered (100 mg/kg). The efforts were also made to establish the structure-activity relationships among the synthesized compounds. The pharmacophore model was used to validate the anticonvulsant activity of the synthesized molecules. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Use of Lithium and Anticonvulsants and the Rate of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

PubMed

Kessing, Lars Vedel; Gerds, Thomas Alexander; Feldt-Rasmussen, Bo; Andersen, Per Kragh; Licht, Rasmus W

2015-12-01

Lithium is the main mood stabilizing drug for bipolar disorder. However, it is controversial whether long-term maintenance treatment with lithium or other drugs for bipolar disorder causes chronic kidney disease (CKD). To compare rates of CKD and in particular rates of end-stage CKD among individuals exposed to successive prescriptions of lithium, anticonvulsants, or other drugs used for bipolar disorder. This is a Danish nationwide population-based study of 2 cohorts. Cohort 1 comprised a randomly selected sample of 1.5 million individuals among all persons who were registered in Denmark on January 1, 1995, all patients with a diagnosis of a single manic episode or bipolar disorder between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2012 (n =10,591), and all patients exposed to either lithium (n = 26,731) or anticonvulsants (n=420,959). Cohort 2 included the subgroup of 10,591 patients diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. Possible CKD, definite CKD, and end-stage CKD (defined as long-term dialysis or renal transplantation). A total of 14,727 (0.8%), 18,762 (1.0%), and 3407 (0.2%) in cohort 1 and 278 (2.6%), 319 (3.0%), and 62 (0.6%) in cohort 2 were diagnosed as having possible, definite, or end-stage CKD, respectively. Based on the total sample and not considering diagnoses, use of lithium was associated with an increased rate of definite CKD (0 prescriptions: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.09, 95% CI, 0.81-1.45; ≥60 prescriptions: HR = 3.65, 95% CI, 2.64-5.05; P for trend < .001) and possible CKD (0 prescriptions: HR = 1.01, 95% CI, 0.79-1.30; ≥60 prescriptions: HR = 2.88, 95% CI, 2.17-3.81; P for trend < .001), whereas use of anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, or antidepressants was not. Neither use of lithium nor use of any other drug class was associated with increasing rates of end-stage CKD. In patients with bipolar disorder, use of lithium was associated with an increased rate of definite CKD (1-2 prescriptions: HR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0

Quantitation of anticonvulsant drugs in serum by gas-chromatography on the stationary phase SP-2510.

PubMed

Godolphin, W; Thoma, J

1978-03-01

A new column packing, SP-2510 DA (Supelco, Inc., Bellefonte, Pa. 16823), is an excellent stationary phase for the determination of a wide variety of anticonvulsant drugs by gas--liquid chromatography without derivatization. However, when uncomplicated extraction procedures are used, serum cholesterol interferes with the determination of primidone. By the simple expedient of adding a short "pre-column" containing another phase (SP-2250 DA) the problem is overcome.

Evaluation of automated enzyme immunoassays for five anticonvulsants and theophylline adapted to a centrifugal analyzer.

PubMed

Urquhart, N; Godolphin, W; Campbell, D J

1979-05-01

We report a clinical evaluation of the enzyme immunoassay (EMIT) performed with the GEMSAEC centrifugal analyzer as compared to gas-liquid and liquid chromatography for anticonvulsant drugs and theophylline, respectively. A good correlation was obtained for all drugs, although some difficulties were experienced with one lot of reagent for ethosuximide. The analyzer has an economic advantage if many samples are being analyzed for few drugs in each sample.

Effect of caffeine on the anticonvulsant effects of oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine and tiagabine in a mouse model of generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

PubMed

Chrościńska-Krawczyk, Magdalena; Ratnaraj, Neville; Patsalos, Philip N; Czuczwar, Stanisław J

2009-01-01

Caffeine has been reported to be proconvulsant and to reduce the anticonvulsant efficacy of a variety of antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproate and topiramate) in animal models of epilepsy and to increase seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy. Using the mouse maximal electroshock model, the present study was undertaken so as to ascertain whether caffeine affects the anticonvulsant efficacy of the new antiepileptic drugs lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine and tiagabine. The results indicate that neither acute nor chronic caffeine administration (up to 46.2 mg/kg) affected the ED(50) values of oxcarbazepine or lamotrigine against maximal electroshock. Similarly, caffeine did not modify the tiagabine electroconvulsive threshold. Furthermore, caffeine had no effect on oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine and tiagabine associated adverse effects such as impairment of motor coordination (measured by the chimney test) or long-term memory (measured by the passive avoidance task). Concurrent plasma concentration measurements revealed no significant effect on lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine concentrations. For tiagabine, however, chronic caffeine (4 mg/kg) administration was associated with an increase in tiagabine concentrations. In conclusion, caffeine did not impair the anticonvulsant effects of lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, or tiagabine as assessed by electroconvulsions in mice. Also, caffeine was without effect upon the adverse potential of the studied antiepileptic drugs. Thus caffeine may not necessarily adversely affect the efficacy of all antiepileptic drugs and this is an important observation.

Activity of the anticonvulsant lacosamide in experimental and human epilepsy via selective effects on slow Na+ channel inactivation.

PubMed

Holtkamp, Dominik; Opitz, Thoralf; Niespodziany, Isabelle; Wolff, Christian; Beck, Heinz

2017-01-01

In human epilepsy, pharmacoresistance to antiepileptic drug therapy is a major problem affecting ~30% of patients with epilepsy. Many classical antiepileptic drugs target voltage-gated sodium channels, and their potent activity in inhibiting high-frequency firing has been attributed to their strong use-dependent blocking action. In chronic epilepsy, a loss of use-dependent block has emerged as a potential cellular mechanism of pharmacoresistance for anticonvulsants acting on voltage-gated sodium channels. The anticonvulsant drug lacosamide (LCM) also targets sodium channels, but has been shown to preferentially affect sodium channel slow inactivation processes, in contrast to most other anticonvulsants. We used whole-cell voltage clamp recordings in acutely isolated cells to investigate the effects of LCM on transient Na + currents. Furthermore, we used whole-cell current clamp recordings to assess effects on repetitive action potential firing in hippocampal slices. We show here that LCM exerts its effects primarily via shifting the slow inactivation voltage dependence to more hyperpolarized potentials in hippocampal dentate granule cells from control and epileptic rats, and from patients with epilepsy. It is important to note that this activity of LCM was maintained in chronic experimental and human epilepsy. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the efficacy of LCM in inhibiting high-frequency firing is undiminished in chronic experimental and human epilepsy. Taken together, these results show that LCM exhibits maintained efficacy in chronic epilepsy, in contrast to conventional use-dependent sodium channel blockers such as carbamazepine. They also establish that targeting slow inactivation may be a promising strategy for overcoming target mechanisms of pharmacoresistance. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 International League Against Epilepsy.

Anti-convulsant action and amelioration of oxidative stress by Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract in pentylenetetrazole- induced seizure in albino rats

PubMed Central

Chowdhury, Bimalendu; Bhattamisra, Subrat K.; Das, Mangala C.

2013-01-01

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-convulsant potential of aqueous and ethanol e xtract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (AEGG and EEGG) and its action on markers of oxidant stress in albino rats. Materials and Methods: The aqueous and ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra was tested at three doses viz. 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg i.p. for its anti-convulsant activity using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure in rat. The effect of EEGG (400 mg/kg, i.p.) on oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) of rat brain tissue homogenate was tested. Results: The onset of seizure was delayed (P < 0.01) by all the three doses of EEGG, but the duration of convulsion was reduced (P < 0.01) only in higher dose level (200 and 400 mg/ kg), whereas AEGG up to 400 mg/kg did not alter any of the parameters significantly. Biochemical analysis of rat brain tissue revealed that MDA was increased (P < 0.01), whereas SOD and CAT were decreased (P < 0.01) in PTZ-induced seizure rat, whereas pre-treatment with EEGG (400 mg/kg) decreased (P < 0.01) the MDA and increased (P < 0.01) both SOD and CAT, indicating attenuation of lipid peroxidation due to increase in antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that EEGG poses anti-convulsant potential and ameliorates ROS induced neuronal damage in PTZ-induced seizure. PMID:23543836

Site of anticonvulsant action on sodium channels: autoradiographic and electrophysiological studies in rat brain

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Worley, P.F.; Baraban, J.M.

1987-05-01

The anticonvulsants phenytoin and carbamazepine interact allosterically with the batrachotoxin binding site of sodium channels. In the present study, we demonstrate an autoradiographic technique to localize the batrachotoxin binding site on sodium channels in rat brain using (/sup 3/H)batrachotoxinin-A 20-alpha-benzoate (BTX-B). Binding of (/sup 3/H)BTX-B to brain sections is dependent on potentiating allosteric interactions with scorpion venom and is displaced by BTX-B (Kd approximately 200 nM), aconitine, veratridine, and phenytoin with the same rank order of potencies as described in brain synaptosomes. The maximum number of (/sup 3/H)BTX-B binding sites in forebrain sections also agrees with biochemical determinations. Autoradiographic localizationsmore » indicate that (/sup 3/H)BTX-B binding sites are not restricted to cell bodies and axons but are present in synaptic zones throughout the brain. For example, a particularly dense concentration of these sites in the substantia nigra is associated with afferent terminals of the striatonigral projection. By contrast, myelinated structures possess much lower densities of binding sites. In addition, we present electrophysiological evidence that synaptic transmission, as opposed to axonal conduction, is preferentially sensitive to the action of aconitine and veratridine. Finally, the synaptic block produced by these sodium channel activators is inhibited by phenytoin and carbamazepine at therapeutic anticonvulsant concentrations.« less

Autoradiographic Distribution and Applied Pharmacological Characteristics of Dextromethorphan and Related Antitissue/Anticonvulsant Drugs and Novel Analogs.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

OF DEXTROMETHORPHAN AND RELATED ANTITISSUE/ANTICONVULSANT DRUGS AND NOVEL ANALOGS PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Norman G. Bowery, Ph.D., DSc CONTRACTING...Characteristics of Dextromethorphan and DAMD17-90-C-0124 Related Anti ti ssue/ Anticonvul sant Drugs and Novel 6. AUTHOR(S) Analogs 61102A...13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words) Binding of dextromethorphan and its analogues to the dextromethorphan binding site and to the PCP and glycine binding

Are purines mediators of the anticonvulsant/neuroprotective effects of ketogenic diets?

PubMed Central

Masino, Susan A.; Geiger, Jonathan D.

2015-01-01

Abnormal neuronal signaling caused by metabolic changes characterizes several neurological disorders, and in some instances metabolic interventions provide therapeutic benefits. Indeed, altering metabolism either by fasting or by maintaining a low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diet might reduce epileptic seizures and offer neuroprotection in part because the diet increases mitochondrial biogenesis and brain energy levels. Here we focus on a novel hypothesis that a ketogenic diet-induced change in energy metabolism increases levels of ATP and adenosine, purines that are critically involved in neuron–glia interactions, neuromodulation and synaptic plasticity. Enhancing brain bioenergetics (ATP) and increasing levels of adenosine, an endogenous anticonvulsant and neuroprotective molecule, might help with understanding and treating a variety of neurological disorders. PMID:18471903

Spina bifida and cleft lip among newborns of Norwegian women with epilepsy: changes related to the use of anticonvulsants.

PubMed Central

King, P B; Lie, R T; Irgens, L M

1996-01-01

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the connection between the use of anticonvulsants for epilepsy during or before pregnancy and the risk of spina bifida and cleft lip in newborns. METHODS: Among mothers registered from 1967 to 1992 by the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, 7588 who had epilepsy were identified and their newborns' prevalence of spina bifida and cleft lip examined. RESULTS: The odds ratio of spina bifida in children of mothers with epilepsy compared with other children increased from 1.5 in 1967 through 1980 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.3, 4.5) to 4.4 in 1981 through 1992 (95% CI = 2.0, 8.5). The odds ratio of cleft lip, however, decreased from 3.0 before 1981 (95% CI = 1.6, 5.1) to 1.1 after 1981 (95% CI = 0.4, 2.3). CONCLUSIONS: This shift toward more serious birth defects is consistent with the different teratogenic effects of newer and older anticonvulsants. PMID:8876519

Tolerance and withdrawal to anticonvulsant action of clonazepam: role of nitric oxide.

PubMed

Gupta, N; Bhargava, V K; Pandhi, P

2000-05-01

The use of clonazepam in the long-term treatment of epilepsy is greatly inhibited by its capacity to induce tolerance and dependence. A means of preventing or minimizing the tolerance and dependence inducing properties is required. Here the role of nitric oxide in preventing the development of tolerance and withdrawal hyperexcitability was studied. In Wistar rats, clonazepam at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg i.p. twice daily produced tolerance to its anticonvulsant action in 28 days. After sudden cessation of therapy it produced hyperexcitability. Tolerance was shown by a decrease in seizure threshold to near control value while withdrawal hyperexcitability was evidenced by a significant decrease in seizure threshold below the control value. L-Arginine (a donor of nitric oxide) and N omega-nitro-L-arginine (an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase) were given in doses of 150 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg, respectively on day 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 with clonazepam. Withdrawal hyperexcitability was seen on day 1, 2 and 4 after cessation of drug therapy. Electroshock was used as a model of epilepsy and seizure thresholds were determined by an up and down method of Kimball et al. L-Arginine was found to inhibit the development tolerance as well as withdrawal hyperexcitability when administered with clonazepam while N omega-L-arginine did not prevent either the development of tolerance or withdrawal hyperexcitability in the electroshock model. In the PTZ model, however, L-arginine had no effect on the anticonvulsant action and withdrawal hyperexcitability while inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis prevented withdrawal hyperexcitability in PTZ-induced seizures.

Early life status epilepticus and stress have distinct and sex-specific effects on learning, subsequent seizure outcomes, including anticonvulsant response to phenobarbital.

PubMed

Akman, Ozlem; Moshé, Solomon L; Galanopoulou, Aristea S

2015-02-01

Neonatal status epilepticus (SE) is often associated with adverse cognitive and epilepsy outcomes. We investigate the effects of three episodes of kainic acid-induced SE (3KA-SE) and maternal separation in immature rats on subsequent learning, seizure susceptibility, and consequences, and the anticonvulsant effects of phenobarbital, according to sex, type, and age at early life (EL) event. 3KA-SE or maternal separation was induced on postnatal days (PN) 4-6 or 14-16. Rats were tested on Barnes maze (PN16-19), or lithium-pilocarpine SE (PN19) or flurothyl seizures (PN32). The anticonvulsant effects of phenobarbital (20 or 40 mg/kg/rat, intraperitoneally) pretreatment were tested on flurothyl seizures. FluoroJadeB staining assessed hippocampal injury. 3KA-SE or separation on PN4-6 caused more transient learning delays in males and did not alter lithium-pilocarpine SE latencies, but aggravated its outcomes in females. Anticonvulsant effects of phenobarbital were preserved and potentiated in specific groups depending on sex, type, and age at EL event. Early life 3KA-SE and maternal separation cause more but transient cognitive deficits in males but aggravate the consequences of subsequent lithium-pilocarpine SE in females. In contrast, on flurothyl seizures, EL events showed either beneficial or no effect, depending on gender, type, and age at EL events. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Novel, broad-spectrum anticonvulsants containing a sulfamide group: advancement of N-((benzo[b]thien-3-yl)methyl)sulfamide (JNJ-26990990) into human clinical studies.

PubMed

Parker, Michael H; Smith-Swintosky, Virginia L; McComsey, David F; Huang, Yifang; Brenneman, Douglas; Klein, Brian; Malatynska, Ewa; White, H Steve; Milewski, Michael E; Herb, Mark; Finley, Michael F A; Liu, Yi; Lubin, Mary Lou; Qin, Ning; Iannucci, Robert; Leclercq, Laurent; Cuyckens, Filip; Reitz, Allen B; Maryanoff, Bruce E

2009-12-10

In seeking broad-spectrum anticonvulsants to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders, we synthesized and tested a group of sulfamide derivatives (4a-k, 5), which led to the clinical development of 4a (JNJ-26990990). This compound exhibited excellent anticonvulsant activity in rodents against audiogenic, electrically induced, and chemically induced seizures, with very weak inhibition of human carbonic anhydrase-II (IC(50) = 110 microM). The pharmacological profile for 4a supports its potential in the treatment of multiple forms of epilepsy, including pharmacoresistant variants. Mechanistically, 4a inhibited voltage-gated Na(+) channels and N-type Ca(2+) channels but was not effective as a K(+) channel opener. The pharmacokinetics and metabolic properties of 4a are discussed.

GABA-A Receptor Modulation and Anticonvulsant, Anxiolytic, and Antidepressant Activities of Constituents from Artemisia indica Linn

PubMed Central

Khan, Imran; Karim, Nasiara; Ahmad, Waqar; Abdelhalim, Abeer; Chebib, Mary

2016-01-01

Artemisia indica, also known as “Mugwort,” has been widely used in traditional medicines. However, few studies have investigated the effects of nonvolatile components of Artemisia indica on central nervous system's function. Fractionation of Artemisia indica led to the isolation of carnosol, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid which were evaluated for their effects on GABA-A receptors in electrophysiological studies in Xenopus oocytes and were subsequently investigated in mouse models of acute toxicity, convulsions (pentylenetetrazole induced seizures), depression (tail suspension and forced swim tests), and anxiety (elevated plus maze and light/dark box paradigms). Carnosol, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid were found to be positive modulators of α1β2γ2L GABA-A receptors and the modulation was antagonized by flumazenil. Carnosol, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid were found to be devoid of any signs of acute toxicity (50–200 mg/kg) but elicited anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and anxiolytic activities. Thus carnosol, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid demonstrated CNS activity in mouse models of anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and anxiolysis. The anxiolytic activity of all three compounds was ameliorated by flumazenil suggesting a mode of action via the benzodiazepine binding site of GABA-A receptors. PMID:27143980

Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Lithium, Anticonvulsive or atypical antipsychotic Drugs for Treatment of Refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

PubMed

Soleimani, R; Jalali, M M; Keshtkar, A; Jalali, S M

2017-01-01

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder that causes significant distress to the afflicted individual. About half of OCD patients treated with an adequate trial of serotonin reuptake inhibitors fail to fully respond to treatment and continue to exhibit significant symptoms. Therefore, there is a need for other agents to alleviate the symptoms of these disorders. In spite of considerable research including numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, there exists uncertainty regarding what treatments are effective. In this systematic review, we evaluated the efficacy of mood stabilizers in treatment-refractory OCD. We conducted a meta-analysis of all randomized clinical trials evaluating lithium, anticonvulsive agents or atypical antipsychotic drugs for OCD to determine which therapies show more effective than a placebo, in reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms. We acquired eligible studies through a systematic search of Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, ProQuest and Google scholar. We conducted meta-analyses to establish the effect of lithium, anticonvulsive agents, or atypical antipsychotic drugs on patient-important outcomes when possible. To assess relative effects of treatments, we constructed a random effect model. Our review was the first to evaluate all treatments for OCD, to provide the relative effectiveness of lithium, anticonvulsive agents, or atypical antipsychotic drugs, and prioritize patient-important outcomes with a focus on functional gains. Our review facilitated the evidence-based management of patients with resistant OCD, and identified the key areas for future research.

Towards cheminformatics-based estimation of drug therapeutic index: Predicting the protective index of anticonvulsants using a new quantitative structure-index relationship approach.

PubMed

Chen, Shangying; Zhang, Peng; Liu, Xin; Qin, Chu; Tao, Lin; Zhang, Cheng; Yang, Sheng Yong; Chen, Yu Zong; Chui, Wai Keung

2016-06-01

The overall efficacy and safety profile of a new drug is partially evaluated by the therapeutic index in clinical studies and by the protective index (PI) in preclinical studies. In-silico predictive methods may facilitate the assessment of these indicators. Although QSAR and QSTR models can be used for predicting PI, their predictive capability has not been evaluated. To test this capability, we developed QSAR and QSTR models for predicting the activity and toxicity of anticonvulsants at accuracy levels above the literature-reported threshold (LT) of good QSAR models as tested by both the internal 5-fold cross validation and external validation method. These models showed significantly compromised PI predictive capability due to the cumulative errors of the QSAR and QSTR models. Therefore, in this investigation a new quantitative structure-index relationship (QSIR) model was devised and it showed improved PI predictive capability that superseded the LT of good QSAR models. The QSAR, QSTR and QSIR models were developed using support vector regression (SVR) method with the parameters optimized by using the greedy search method. The molecular descriptors relevant to the prediction of anticonvulsant activities, toxicities and PIs were analyzed by a recursive feature elimination method. The selected molecular descriptors are primarily associated with the drug-like, pharmacological and toxicological features and those used in the published anticonvulsant QSAR and QSTR models. This study suggested that QSIR is useful for estimating the therapeutic index of drug candidates. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Evaluation of possible antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects of the ethyl acetate fraction from Platonia insignis Mart. (Bacuri) on epilepsy models.

PubMed

Júnior, Joaquim Soares da Costa; de Almeida, Antonia Amanda C; Tomé, Adriana da Rocha; Citó, Antonia Maria das Graças Lopes; Saffi, Jenifer; de Freitas, Rivelilson Mendes

2011-12-01

The aim of present study was to examine the effects of the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) from Platonia insignis on lipid peroxidation level, nitrite formation, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in rat striatum prior to pilocarpine-induced seizures as well as to explore its anticonvulsant activity in adult rats prior to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)- and picrotoxin (PIC)-induced seizures. Wistar rats were treated with vehicle, atropine (25mg/kg), EAF (0.1, 1, and 10mg/kg), pilocarpine (400mg/kg, P400 group), PTZ (60 mg/kg, PTZ group), PIC (8 mg/kg, PIC group), atropine+P400, EAF+P400, EAF+PTZ, or EAF+PIC. Significant decreases in number of crossings and rearings were observed in the P400 group. The EAF 10+P400 group also had significant increases in these parameters. In addition, in rats treated with P400, there were significant increases in lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels; however, there were no alterations in SOD and catalase activities. In the EAF 10+P400 group, lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels significantly decreased and SOD and catalase activities significantly increased after pilocarpine-induced seizures. Additionally, effects of the EAF were evaluated in PTZ and PIC models. EAF did not increase the latency to development of convulsions induced with PTZ and PIC at the doses tested. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that EAF does not have anticonvulsant activity in the different models of epilepsy studied. Our results indicate that in the in vivo model of pilocarpine-induced seizures, EAF has antioxidant activity, but not anticonvulsant properties at the doses tested. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Evaluation of the anticonvulsant effect of Centella asiatica (gotu kola) in pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures with respect to cholinergic neurotransmission.

PubMed

Visweswari, Gopalreddygari; Prasad, Kanchi Siva; Chetan, Pandanaboina Sahitya; Lokanatha, Valluru; Rajendra, Wudayagiri

2010-03-01

The study described here was carried out to investigate the anticonvulsant effect of different extracts of Centella asiatica with respect to cholinergic activity on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures. Rats were randomly divided into eight groups of six rats each: nonepileptic rats treated with saline; PTZ (60 mg/kg, IP)-induced seizure rats treated with saline; PTZ-induced seizure rats pretreated with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water extracts of C. asiatica; and PTZ-induced seizure rats pretreated with diazepam (2mg/kg body wt). The seized rats pretreated with different extracts were administered a dose of 200mg/kg body wt orally for 1 week before induction of epilepsy. Increased acetylcholine content and decreased acetylcholinesterase activity were recorded in different brain regions during PTZ-induced seizures. Pretreatment with C. asiatica extracts caused recovery of the levels of acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase. These findings suggest that C. asiatica causes perceptible changes in the cholinergic system as one of the facets of its anticonvulsant activity. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anticonvulsant activity of Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae) leaf extract in mice.

PubMed

Amabeoku, G J; Green, I; Kabatende, J

2007-05-30

The anticonvulsant activity of Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae) was investigated by studying the effects of both aqueous and methanol extracts of the plant species on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, bicuculline, picrotoxin and N-methyl-dl-aspartic in mice. Aqueous extract of Cotyledon orbiculata (50-400mg/kg, i.p.) and methanol extract (100-400mg/kg, i.p.) significantly prolonged the onset of tonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (95mg/kg, i.p.). Methanol extract (400mg/kg, i.p.) also significantly reduced the incidence of the seizures. One hundred to two hundred milligrams/kilogram (i.p.) of aqueous extract of Cotyledon orbiculata significantly delayed the onset of the tonic seizures induced by bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.), picrotoxin (12mg/kg, i.p.) and N-methyl-dl-aspartic acid (NMDLA, 400mg/kg, i.p.). Similarly, methanol extract (100-400mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of the tonic seizures induced by bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.) and picrotoxin (12mg/kg, i.p.) while 100mg/kg (i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of N-methyl-dl-aspartic acid (NMDLA, 400mg/kg, i.p.)-induced seizures. Methanol extract (200mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the incidence of the seizures induced by bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.). Phenobarbitone (12mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (0.5mg/kg, i.p.) effectively antagonized only seizures induced by PTZ (95mg/kg, i.p.), bicuculline (40mg/kg, i.p.) and picrotoxin (12mg/kg, i.p.). Phenytoin (30mg/kg, i.p.) did not affect any of the seizures to any significant extent. The data obtained suggest that both aqueous and methanol extracts of Cotyledon orbiculata have anticonvulsant property and may probably be affecting both gabaergic and glutaminergic mechanisms to exert its effect. The phytochemical analysis carried out revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, reducing sugar and triterpene steroids in the plant extract.

[Lithium and anticonvulsants in bipolar depression].

PubMed

Samalin, L; Nourry, A; Llorca, P-M

2011-12-01

For decades, lithium and anticonvulsants have been widely used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Their efficacy in the treatment of mania is recognized. These drugs have been initially evaluated in old and methodologically heterogeneous studies. Their efficacy in bipolar depression has not always been confirmed in more recent and methodologically more reliable studies. Thus, lithium's efficacy as monotherapy was challenged by the study of Young (2008) that showed a lack of efficacy compared with placebo in the treatment of bipolar depression. In two recent meta-analyses, valproate has shown a modest efficacy in the treatment of bipolar depression. As for lithium, valproate appeared to have a larger antimanic effect for acute phase and prophylaxis of bipolar disorder. In contrast, lamotrigine is more effective on the depressive pole of bipolar disorder with better evidence for the prevention of depressive recurrences. The guidelines include these recent studies and recommend lamotrigine as a first-line treatment of bipolar depression and for maintenance treatment. Because of more discordant data concerning lithium and valproate, these two drugs are placed either as first or as second line treatment of bipolar depression. The different safety/efficacy ratios of mood stabilizers underlie the complementarity and the importance of combination between them, or with some second-generation antipsychotics, in the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. Copyright © 2011 L’Encéphale. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.

Anticonvulsant and antipunishment effects of toluene.

PubMed

Wood, R W; Coleman, J B; Schuler, R; Cox, C

1984-08-01

Toluene can have striking acute behavioral effects and is subject to abuse by inhalation. To determine if its actions resemble those of drugs used in the treatment of anxiety ("anxiolytics"), two sets of experiments were undertaken. Inasmuch as prevention of pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions is an identifying property of this class of agents, we first demonstrated that pretreatment with injections of toluene delayed the onset of convulsive signs and prevented the tonic extension phase of the convulsant activity in a dose-related manner. Injections of another alkyl benzene, m-xylene, were of comparable potency to toluene. Inhalation of toluene delayed the time to death after pentylenetetrazol injection in a manner related to the duration and concentration of exposure; at lower convulsant doses, inhalation of moderate concentrations (EC50, 1311 ppm) prevented death. Treatment with a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist (Ro 15-1788) failed to reduce the anticonvulsant activity of inhaled toluene. Anxiolytics also attenuate the reduction in response rate produced by punishment with electric shock. Toluene increased rates of responding suppressed by punishment when responding was maintained under a multiple fixed-interval fixed-interval punishment schedule of reinforcement. Distinct antipunishment effects were observed after 2 hr of exposure to 1780 and 3000 ppm of toluene; the rate-increasing effects of toluene were related to concentration and to time after the termination of exposure. Thus, toluene and m-xylene resemble in several respects clinically useful drugs such as the benzodiazepines.

Structural requirements for bioactivation of anticonvulsants to cytotoxic metabolites in vitro.

PubMed Central

Riley, R J; Kitteringham, N R; Park, B K

1989-01-01

The formation of cytotoxic metabolites from the anticonvulsants phenytoin and carbamazepine was investigated in vitro using a hepatic microsomal enzyme system and human mononuclear leucocytes as target cells. Both drugs were metabolised to cytotoxic products. In order to assess the structural requirements for this bioactivation, a series of structurally related compounds was investigated. It was found that molecules which contain either an amide function or an aryl ring may undergo activation in vitro, but only the metabolism-dependent toxicity of the latter is potentiated by pre-treatment of the target cells with an epoxide hydrolase inhibitor. Taken collectively, these data are consistent with the concept that reactive epoxide metabolites of both phenytoin and carbamazepine may produce toxicity in individuals with an inherited deficiency in epoxide hydrolase. PMID:2590607

The external pore loop interacts with S6 and S3-S4 linker in domain 4 to assume an essential role in gating control and anticonvulsant action in the Na+ channel

PubMed Central

Yang, Ya-Chin; Hsieh, Jui-Yi

2009-01-01

Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and lamotrigine are widely prescribed anticonvulsants in neurological clinics. These drugs bind to the same receptor site, probably with the diphenyl motif in their structure, to inhibit the Na+ channel. However, the location of the drug receptor remains controversial. In this study, we demonstrate close proximity and potential interaction between an external aromatic residue (W1716 in the external pore loop) and an internal aromatic residue (F1764 in the pore-lining part of the sixth transmembrane segment, S6) of domain 4 (D4), both being closely related to anticonvulsant and/or local anesthetic binding to the Na+ channel. Double-mutant cycle analysis reveals significant cooperativity between the two phenyl residues for anticonvulsant binding. Concomitant F1764C mutation evidently decreases the susceptibility of W1716C to external Cd2+ and membrane-impermeable methanethiosulfonate reagents. Also, the W1716E/F1764R and G1715E/F1764R double mutations significantly alter the selectivity for Na+ over K+ and markedly shift the activation curve, respectively. W1716 and F1764 therefore very likely form a link connecting the outer and inner compartments of the Na+ channel pore (in addition to the selectivity filter). Anticonvulsants and local anesthetics may well traverse this “S6 recess” without trespassing on the selectivity filter. Furthermore, we found that Y1618K, a point mutation in the S3-4 linker (the extracellular extension of D4S4), significantly alters the consequences of carbamazepine binding to the Na+ channel. The effect of Y1618K mutation, however, is abolished by concomitant point mutations in the vicinity of Y1618, but not by those in the internally located inactivation machinery, supporting a direct local rather than a long-range allosteric action. Moreover, Y1618 could interact with D4 pore residues W1716 and L1719 to have a profound effect on both channel gating and anticonvulsant action. We conclude that there are direct

The external pore loop interacts with S6 and S3-S4 linker in domain 4 to assume an essential role in gating control and anticonvulsant action in the Na(+) channel.

PubMed

Yang, Ya-Chin; Hsieh, Jui-Yi; Kuo, Chung-Chin

2009-08-01

Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and lamotrigine are widely prescribed anticonvulsants in neurological clinics. These drugs bind to the same receptor site, probably with the diphenyl motif in their structure, to inhibit the Na(+) channel. However, the location of the drug receptor remains controversial. In this study, we demonstrate close proximity and potential interaction between an external aromatic residue (W1716 in the external pore loop) and an internal aromatic residue (F1764 in the pore-lining part of the sixth transmembrane segment, S6) of domain 4 (D4), both being closely related to anticonvulsant and/or local anesthetic binding to the Na(+) channel. Double-mutant cycle analysis reveals significant cooperativity between the two phenyl residues for anticonvulsant binding. Concomitant F1764C mutation evidently decreases the susceptibility of W1716C to external Cd(2+) and membrane-impermeable methanethiosulfonate reagents. Also, the W1716E/F1764R and G1715E/F1764R double mutations significantly alter the selectivity for Na(+) over K(+) and markedly shift the activation curve, respectively. W1716 and F1764 therefore very likely form a link connecting the outer and inner compartments of the Na(+) channel pore (in addition to the selectivity filter). Anticonvulsants and local anesthetics may well traverse this "S6 recess" without trespassing on the selectivity filter. Furthermore, we found that Y1618K, a point mutation in the S3-4 linker (the extracellular extension of D4S4), significantly alters the consequences of carbamazepine binding to the Na(+) channel. The effect of Y1618K mutation, however, is abolished by concomitant point mutations in the vicinity of Y1618, but not by those in the internally located inactivation machinery, supporting a direct local rather than a long-range allosteric action. Moreover, Y1618 could interact with D4 pore residues W1716 and L1719 to have a profound effect on both channel gating and anticonvulsant action. We conclude that there

The anticonvulsant stiripentol acts directly on the GABAA receptor as a positive allosteric modulator

PubMed Central

Fisher, Janet L.

2009-01-01

SUMMARY Stiripentol(STP) has been used as co-therapy for treatment of epilepsy for many years. Its mechanism of action has long been considered to be indirect, as it inhibits the enzymes responsible for metabolism of other anticonvulsant agents. However, a recent report suggested that STP might also act at the neuronal level, increasing inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission. We examined the effect of STP on the functional properties of recombinant GABAA receptors (GABARs) and found that it was a positive allosteric modulator of these ion channels. Its activity showed some dependence on subunit composition, with greater potentiation of α3-containing receptors and reduced potentiation when the β1 or ε subunits were present. STP caused a leftward shift in the GABA concentration-response relationship, but did not increase the peak response of the receptors to a maximal GABA concentration. Although STP shares some functional characteristics with the neurosteroids, its activity was not inhibited by a neurosteroid site antagonist and was unaffected by a mutation in the α3 subunit that reduced positive modulation by neurosteroids. The differential effect of STP on β1- and β2/β3-containing receptors was not altered by mutations within the second transmembrane domain that affect modulation by loreclezole. These findings suggest that STP acts as a direct allosteric modulator of the GABAR at a site distinct from many commonly used anti-convulsant, sedative and anxiolytic drugs. Its higher activity at α3-containing receptors as well as its activity at δ-containing receptors may provide a unique opportunity to target selected populations of GABARs. PMID:18585399

Influence of WIN 55,212-2 on the anticonvulsant and acute neurotoxic potential of clobazam and lacosamide in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure model and chimney test in mice.

PubMed

Florek-Luszczki, Magdalena; Zagaja, Miroslaw; Luszczki, Jarogniew J

2014-12-01

The influence of WIN 55,212-2 mesylate (WIN) on the anticonvulsant activity and acute neurotoxic potential of clobazam (CLB) and lacosamide (LCM) was studied in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure (MES) model and chimney test in mice. indicate that WIN administered intraperitoneally, at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant action of CLB in the MES test by reducing its median effective dose (ED50) from 20.80 mg/kg to 12.05 mg/kg (P<0.05), and 8.22 mg/kg (P<0.001), respectively. In contrast, WIN (1.25 mg/kg) did not significantly potentiate the anticonvulsant activity of CLB against MES-induced seizures. Similarly, WIN at doses of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg had no significant impact on the anticonvulsant action of LCM in the MES test. On the other hand, WIN (5 mg/kg) had no impact on the acute neurotoxic effects of CLB and LCM in the chimney test and the median toxic doses (TD50) for CLB and LCM were almost unchanged. Thus, WIN (5 mg/kg) elevated the protective index values for CLB (from 1.41 to 3.07) and LCM (from 3.60 to 4.91). In conclusion, WIN potentiates suppression of tonic-clonic seizures produced by CLB in the mouse MES model, without affecting acute neurotoxic adverse effects of CLB in the chimney test in mice, which is favorable from a preclinical point of view. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Design, synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of new hybrid compounds derived from N-phenyl-2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-propanamides and -butanamides.

PubMed

Kamiński, Krzysztof; Rapacz, Anna; Filipek, Barbara; Obniska, Jolanta

2016-07-01

The focused library of 21 new N-phenyl-2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanamide, 2-(3-methyl-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanamide, and 2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)butanamide derivatives as potential new hybrid anticonvulsant agents was synthesized. These hybrid molecules were obtained as close analogs of previously described N-benzyl derivatives and fuse the chemical fragments of clinically relevant antiepileptic drugs such as ethosuximide, levetiracetam, and lacosamide. The initial anticonvulsant screening was performed in mice (ip) using the 'classical' maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) tests, as well as in the six-Hertz (6Hz) model of pharmacoresistant limbic seizures. Applying the rotarod test, the acute neurological toxicity was determined. The broad spectra of activity across the preclinical seizure models in mice (ip) displayed compounds 4, 5, 11, and 19. The most favorable anticonvulsant properties demonstrated 4 (ED50 MES=96.9mg/kg, ED50scPTZ=75.4mg/kg, ED50 6Hz=44.3mg/kg) which showed TD50=335.8mg/kg in the rotarod test that yielded satisfying protective indexes (PI MES=3.5, PI scPTZ=4.4, PI 6Hz=7.6). Consequently, compound 4 revealed comparable or better safety profile than model antiepileptic drugs (AEDs): ethosuximide, lacosamide, and valproic acid. In the in vitro assays, compound 4 was observed as relatively effective binder to the neuronal voltage-sensitive sodium and diltiazem site of L-type calcium channels. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

(Biphenyl-4-yl)methylammonium chlorides: potent anticonvulsants that modulate Na+ currents.

PubMed

Lee, Hyosung; Park, Ki Duk; Yang, Xiao-Fang; Dustrude, Erik T; Wilson, Sarah M; Khanna, Rajesh; Kohn, Harold

2013-07-25

We have reported that compounds containing a biaryl linked unit (Ar-X-Ar') modulated Na(+) currents by promoting slow inactivation and fast inactivation processes and by inducing frequency (use)-dependent inhibition of Na(+) currents. These electrophysiological properties have been associated with the mode of action of several antiepileptic drugs. In this study, we demonstrate that the readily accessible (biphenyl-4-yl)methylammonium chlorides (compound class B) exhibited a broad range of anticonvulsant activities in animal models, and in the maximal electroshock seizure test the activity of (3'-trifluoromethoxybiphenyl-4-yl)methylammonium chloride (8) exceeded that of phenobarbital and phenytoin upon oral administration to rats. Electrophysiological studies of 8 using mouse catecholamine A-differentiated cells and rat embryonic cortical neurons confirmed that 8 promoted slow and fast inactivation in both cell types but did not affect the frequency (use)-dependent block of Na(+) currents.

Effects of WIN 55,212-2 (a synthetic cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor agonist) on the anticonvulsant activity of various novel antiepileptic drugs against 6 Hz-induced psychomotor seizures in mice.

PubMed

Florek-Luszczki, Magdalena; Wlaz, Aleksandra; Zagaja, Mirosław; Andres-Mach, Marta; Kondrat-Wrobel, Maria W; Luszczki, Jarogniew J

2015-03-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of WIN 55,212-2 mesylate (WIN-a non-selective cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor agonist) on the anticonvulsant activity of various second- and third-generation antiepileptic drugs (i.e., gabapentin, lacosamide, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin and tiagabine) in the mouse 6 Hz-induced psychomotor seizure model. Psychomotor seizures were evoked in albino Swiss mice by a current (32 mA, 6 Hz, 3s stimulus duration) delivered via ocular electrodes. Additionally, total brain antiepileptic drug concentrations were measured. Results indicate that WIN (5 mg/kg, administered i.p.) significantly potentiated the anticonvulsant action of gabapentin (P < 0.05) and levetiracetam (P < 0.01), but not that of lacosamide, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin or tiagabine in the mouse psychomotor seizure model. Moreover, WIN (2.5 mg/kg) had no significant effect on the anticonvulsant activity of all tested antiepileptic drugs in the 6 Hz test in mice. Measurement of total brain antiepileptic drug concentrations revealed that WIN (5 mg/kg) had no impact on gabapentin or levetiracetam total brain concentrations, indicating the pharmacodynamic nature of interaction between these antiepileptic drugs in the mouse 6Hz model. In conclusion, WIN in combination with gabapentin and levetiracetam exerts beneficial anticonvulsant pharmacodynamic interactions in the mouse psychomotor seizure model. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel approaches to anticonvulsant drug discovery.

PubMed

Miziak, Barbara; Chrościńska-Krawczyk, Magdalena; Błaszczyk, Barbara; Radzik, Iwona; Czuczwar, Stanisław J

2013-11-01

The history of epilepsy dates back to 2000 BC. Yet, it was not until 1912 that the activity of the first antiepileptic, phenobarbital was discovered by accident. After this discovery, the next antiepileptic drugs to be discovered (phenytoin and primidone) were based on the phenobarbital's structure. Then, in 1960, carbamazepine was developed empirically, while in 1962, valproate demonstrated anticonvulsant activity against experimental seizures. The next antiepileptic drugs synthesized were either modifications of the existing drugs (such as oxcarbazepine and pregabalin) or completely novel chemical structures (lacosamide, perampanel and retigabine). The present paper briefly refers to the history of epilepsy and development of antiepileptic drugs. Further, the paper provides a discussion on the antiepileptogenic effects of antiepileptic drugs in terms of the constant percentage of epileptic patients with refractory seizures. The authors also review the likely factors involved in the false refractoriness (such as through the use of caffeine-containing beverages and smoking). Finally, the authors consider future directions in the search of novel antiepileptic drugs. In spite of the considerable number of newer antiepileptic drugs, the number of drug-resistant epileptic patients remains unchanged. This may be rather an indication of the suitability of the currently available discovery procedures for effective antiepileptic drugs in the whole population of epileptic patients. The authors, however, believe that it is likely that models of mimic chronic epilepsy will help bridge the gaps and aid in the discovery of novel antiepileptic drugs - ones that can effectively modify the course of the disease.

Anticonvulsant and antipunishment effects of toluene

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wood, R.W.; Coleman, J.B.; Schuler, R.

1984-01-01

Toluene can have striking acute behavioral effects and is subject to abuse by inhalation. To determine if its actions resemble those of drugs used in the treatment of anxiety (anxiolytics), two sets of experiments were undertaken. Inasmuch as prevention of pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions is an identifying property of this class of agents, the authors first demonstrated that pretreatment of mice with injections of toluene delayed the onset of convulsive signs and prevented the tonic extension phase of the convulsant activity in a dose-related manner. Injections of another alkyl benzene, m-xylene, were of comparable potency to toluene. Inhalation of toluene delayed themore » time of death after pentylenetetrazol injection in a manner related to the duration and concentration of exposure; at lower convulsant doses, inhalation of moderate concentrations (EC/sub 58/, 1300 ppm) prevented death. Treatment with a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist (Ro 15-1788) failed to reduce the anticonvulsant activity of inhaled toluene. Anxiolytics also attenuate the reduction in response rate produced by punishment with electric shock. Toluene increased rates of responding suppressed by punishment when responding was maintained under a multiple fixed-interval fixed-interval punishment schedule of reinforcement. Distinct antipunishment effects were observed in rats after 2 hr of exposure to 1780 and 3000 ppm of toluene; the rate-increasing effects of toluene were related to concentration and to time after the termination of exposure. Thus, toluene and m-xylene resemble in several respects clinically useful drugs such as the benzodiazepines. 51 references, 3 figures, 2 tables.« less

Clarified Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) Juice as an Anticonvulsant Agent: In Vitro Mechanistic Study of GABAergic Targets.

PubMed

Arrifano, Gabriela P F; Lichtenstein, Mathieu P; Souza-Monteiro, José Rogério; Farina, Marcelo; Rogez, Hervé; Carvalho, José Carlos Tavares; Suñol, Cristina; Crespo-López, Maria Elena

2018-01-01

Seizures affect about 50 million people around the world. Approximately 30% of seizures are refractory to the current pharmacological arsenal, so, the pursuit of new therapeutic alternatives is essential. Clarified Euterpe oleracea (EO) juice showed anticonvulsant properties similar to diazepam in an in vivo model with pentylenetetrazol, a GABA A receptor blocker. This study investigated the effects of EO on the main GABAergic targets for anticonvulsant drugs, analyzing the effect on the GABA receptor's benzodiazepine and picrotoxinin binding sites and the GABA uptake. Primary cultures of cortical neurons and astrocytes were treated with EO (0-25%) for up to 90 min. [ 3 H]Flunitrazepam and [ 3 H]TBOB binding, [ 3 H]GABA uptake, cell viability, and morphology were assayed. Nonlethal concentrations of EO increased agonist binding and decreased antagonist binding in cortical neurons. Low concentrations significantly inhibited GABA uptake, especially in astrocytes, suggesting an accumulation of endogenous GABA in the synaptic cleft. The results demonstrate, for the first time, that EO can improve GABAergic neurotransmission via interactions with GABA A receptor and modulation of GABA uptake. Understanding these molecular mechanisms will help in the treatment of seizures and epilepsy, especially in developing countries where geographic isolation and low purchasing power are the main barriers to access to adequate treatment.

Clarified Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) Juice as an Anticonvulsant Agent: In Vitro Mechanistic Study of GABAergic Targets

PubMed Central

Arrifano, Gabriela P. F.; Lichtenstein, Mathieu P.; Souza-Monteiro, José Rogério; Rogez, Hervé

2018-01-01

Seizures affect about 50 million people around the world. Approximately 30% of seizures are refractory to the current pharmacological arsenal, so, the pursuit of new therapeutic alternatives is essential. Clarified Euterpe oleracea (EO) juice showed anticonvulsant properties similar to diazepam in an in vivo model with pentylenetetrazol, a GABAA receptor blocker. This study investigated the effects of EO on the main GABAergic targets for anticonvulsant drugs, analyzing the effect on the GABA receptor's benzodiazepine and picrotoxinin binding sites and the GABA uptake. Primary cultures of cortical neurons and astrocytes were treated with EO (0–25%) for up to 90 min. [3H]Flunitrazepam and [3H]TBOB binding, [3H]GABA uptake, cell viability, and morphology were assayed. Nonlethal concentrations of EO increased agonist binding and decreased antagonist binding in cortical neurons. Low concentrations significantly inhibited GABA uptake, especially in astrocytes, suggesting an accumulation of endogenous GABA in the synaptic cleft. The results demonstrate, for the first time, that EO can improve GABAergic neurotransmission via interactions with GABAA receptor and modulation of GABA uptake. Understanding these molecular mechanisms will help in the treatment of seizures and epilepsy, especially in developing countries where geographic isolation and low purchasing power are the main barriers to access to adequate treatment. PMID:29743978

Agmatine reduces extracellular glutamate during pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rat brain: A potential mechanism for the anticonvulsive effects

PubMed Central

Feng, Yangzheng; LeBlanc, Michael H.; Regunathan, Soundar

2010-01-01

Glutamate has been implicated in the initiation and spread of seizure activity. Agmatine, an endogenous neuromodulator, is an antagonist of NMDA receptors and has anticonvulsive effects. Whether agmatine regulate glutamate release, as measured by in vivo microdialysis, is not known. In this study, we used pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model to determine the effect of agmatine on extracellular glutamate in rat brain. We also determined the time course and the amount of agmatine that reached brain after peripheral injection. After i.p. injection of agmatine (50 mg/kg), increase of agmatine in rat cortex and hippocampus was observed in 15 min with levels returning to baseline in one hour. Rats, naïve and implanted with microdialysis cannula into the cortex, were administered PTZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) with prior injection of agmatine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline. Seizure grades were recorded and microdialysis samples were collected every 15 min for 75 min. Agmatine pre-treatment significantly reduced the seizure grade and increased the onset time. The levels of extracellular glutamate in frontal cortex rose two- to three-fold after PTZ injection and agmatine significantly inhibited this increase. In conclusion, the present data suggest that the anticonvulsant activity of agmatine, in part, could be related to the inhibition glutamate release. PMID:16125317

Psychotropic and Anticonvulsant Drug Usage in Early Childhood Special Education Programs I. Phase One: A Preliminary Report: Prevalence, Attitude, Training, and Problems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gadow, Kenneth D.

As part of a three phase study designed to survey the teachers and parents of children receiving psychotropic and anticonvulsant drugs, 208 teachers of preschool special education children on medication were mailed questionnaires. The Early Childhood Medication Questionnaire used in the survey included items relating to teacher, program, and…

Trends in resource utilization and prescription of anticonvulsants for patients with active epilepsy in Germany.

PubMed

Strzelczyk, Adam; Haag, Anja; Reese, Jens P; Nickolay, Tanja; Oertel, Wolfgang H; Dodel, Richard; Knake, Susanne; Rosenow, Felix; Hamer, Hajo M

2013-06-01

This study evaluated trends in the resource use of patients with active epilepsy over a 5-year period at an outpatient clinic of a German epilepsy center. Two cross-sectional cohorts of consecutive adults with active epilepsy were evaluated over a 3-month period in 2003 and 2008. Data on socioeconomic status, course of epilepsy, as well as direct and indirect costs were recorded using validated patient questionnaires. We enrolled 101 patients in 2003 and 151 patients in 2008. In both cohorts, 76% of the patients suffered from focal epilepsy, and the majority was on antiepileptic drug (AED) polytherapy (mean AED number: 1.7 (2003), 1.8 (2008)). We calculated epilepsy-specific costs of € 2955 in 2003 and € 3532 in 2008 per 3 months per patient. Direct medical costs were mainly due to anticonvulsants in 2003 (59.4% of total direct costs, 34.0% in 2008) and to hospitalization in 2008 (46.9% of total direct costs, 27.7% in 2003). The proportion of enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants and 'old' AEDs decreased between 2003 and 2008. Indirect costs of € 1689 and € 1847 were mainly due to early retirement (48.4%; 46.0% of total indirect costs in 2003; 2008), unemployment (26.1%; 24.2%), and days off due to seizures (25.5%; 29.8%). This study showed a shift in distribution of direct cost components with increased hospital costs as well as a cost-neutral increase in the prescription of 'newer' AEDs. The amount and distribution of indirect cost components remained unchanged. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen) on the anticonvulsant activity of various novel antiepileptic drugs against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice.

PubMed

Zagaja, Mirosław; Andres-Mach, Marta; Patrzylas, Paweł; Pyrka, Daniel; Szpringer, Monika; Florek-Łuszczki, Magdalena; Żółkowska, Dorota; Skalicka-Woźniak, Krystyna; Łuszczki, Jarogniew J

2016-12-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen) on the protective action of 5 various second- and third-generation antiepileptic drugs (i.e., lacosamide, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin and topiramate) in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure model. Seizure activity was evoked in adult male albino Swiss mice by a current (25mA, 500V, 0.2s stimulus duration) delivered via auricular electrodes. Drug-related adverse effects were determined in the chimney, grip-strength and passive avoidance tests. Total brain antiepileptic drug concentrations were measured to confirm pharmacodynamic nature of observed interactions with xanthotoxin. Results indicate that xanthotoxin (100mg/kg, i.p.) significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant action of lacosamide (P<0.01), oxcarbazepine (P<0.05), pregabalin (P<0.01), and topiramate (P<0.001), but not that of lamotrigine in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure test. Moreover, xanthotoxin (50mg/kg) still significantly potentiated the anticonvulsant action of lacosamide (P<0.05), pregabalin (P<0.05), and topiramate (P<0.001) in this seizure test. Xanthotoxin had no significant impact on total brain concentrations of the studied antiepileptic drugs in mice. Furthermore, combinations of xanthotoxin with oxcarbazepine or topiramate produced no adverse effects. However, xanthotoxin in combination with lacosamide, lamotrigine or pregabalin significantly reduced muscular strength in mice in the grip-strength test. In the chimney test, only the combinations of xanthotoxin with pregabalin significantly impaired motor coordination in mice. In conclusion, the combinations of xanthotoxin with oxcarbazepine and topiramate produce beneficial anticonvulsant pharmacodynamic interactions in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure test. A special caution is advised when combining xanthotoxin with pregabalin due to appearance of acute adverse effects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights

A new class of anticonvulsants possessing 6 Hz psychomotor seizure test activity: 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-N'-[substituted] acetohydrazides.

PubMed

Kumar, Praveen; Tripathi, Laxmi

2012-05-01

A series of 2-(1H-Benzotriazol-1-yl)-N'-[substituted]acetohydrazides were designed & synthesized keeping in view the structural requirement of pharmacophore and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity. The new compounds were characterized using FT-IR, 1H NMR, mass spectral data and elemental analysis. The anticonvulsant activity of the titled compounds was assessed using the 6 Hz psychomotor seizure test. The neurotoxicity was assessed using the rotorod method. The most active compound of the series was N'-[4-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yloxy)benzylidene]-2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)acetohydrazide (BTA 9), which showed good activity with 75 % protection (3/4, 0.5 h) at a dose of 100 mg/kg in mice. All the compounds exhibited no neurotoxicity. A computational study was carried out for calculation of pharmacophore pattern and prediction of pharmacokinetic properties. Titled compounds have also exhibited good binding properties with epilepsy molecular targets such as glutamate, GABA (A) delta, GABA (A) alpha-1 receptors and Na/H exchanger, in Lamarckian genetic algorithm based flexible docking studies.

In vivo antinociceptive and anticonvulsant activity of extracts of Heliotropium strigosum.

PubMed

Khan, Haroon; Khan, Murad Ali; Hussain, Sajid; Gaffar, Rukhsana; Ashraf, Nadeem

2016-05-01

Natural healing agents are primarily focused to overcome unwanted side effects with synthetic drugs worldwide. In the proposed study, crude extracts and subsequent solvent fractions of Heliotropium strigosum were evaluated for antinociceptive and anticonvulsant activity in animal paradigms. In post acetic acid-induced writhing test, crude extract and fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous) demonstrated marked attenuation of nociception at test doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg i.p.). When challenged against thermally induced pain model, pretreatment of extracts exhibited prominent amelioration at test dose (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg i.p.). In both tests, inhibition of noxious stimulation was in a dose-dependent manner, and ethyl acetate fraction was most dominant. However, extracts did not antagonize the seizures and mortality induced by pentylenetetrazole. In conclusion, the extracts of H. strigosum illustrated significant antinociceptive effect in both centrally and peripherally acting pain models. © The Author(s) 2013.

Primary amino acid derivatives: substitution of the 4'-N'-benzylamide site in (R)-N'-benzyl 2-amino-3-methylbutanamide, (R)-N'-benzyl 2-amino-3,3-dimethylbutanamide, and (R)-N'-benzyl 2-amino-3-methoxypropionamide provides potent anticonvulsants with pain-attenuating properties.

PubMed

King, Amber M; Salomé, Christophe; Salomé-Grosjean, Elise; De Ryck, Marc; Kaminski, Rafal; Valade, Anne; Stables, James P; Kohn, Harold

2011-10-13

Recently, we reported that select N'-benzyl 2-substituted 2-amino acetamides (primary amino acid derivatives (PAADs)) exhibited pronounced activities in established whole animal anticonvulsant (i.e., maximal electroshock seizure (MES)) and neuropathic pain (i.e., formalin) models. The anticonvulsant activities of C(2)-hydrocarbon N'-benzyl 2-amino acetamides (MES ED(50) = 13-21 mg/kg) exceeded those of phenobarbital (ED(50) = 22 mg/kg). Two additional studies defining the structure-activity relationship of PAADs are presented in this issue of the journal. In this study, we demonstrated that the anticonvulsant activities of (R)-N'-benzyl 2-amino-3-methylbutanamide and (R)-N'-benzyl 2-amino-3,3-dimethylbutanamide were sensitive to substituents at the 4'-N'-benzylamide site; electron-withdrawing groups retained activity, electron-donating groups led to a loss of activity, and incorporating either a 3-fluorobenzyloxy or 3-fluorophenoxymethyl group using a rationally designed multiple ligand approach improved activity. Additionally, we showed that substituents at the 4'-N'-benzylamide site of (R)-N'-benzyl 2-amino-3-methoxypropionamide also improved anticonvulsant activity, with the 3-fluorophenoxymethyl group providing the largest (∼4-fold) increase in activity (ED(50) = 8.9 mg/kg), a value that surpassed phenytoin (ED(50) = 9.5 mg/kg). Collectively, the pharmacological findings provided new information that C(2)-hydrocarbon PAADs represent a novel class of anticonvulsants.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of dialkyl 4-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-6-yl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-1-substituted pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylates as potential anticonvulsants and their molecular properties prediction.

PubMed

Prasanthi, G; Prasad, K V S R G; Bharathi, K

2013-08-01

The present study is on the development of dialkyl 4-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-6-yl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-1-substituted pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate derivatives as isosteric analogues of isradipine and nifedipine, by the replacement of benzofurazanyl and 2-nitrophenyl groups respectively with benzo[d][1,3]dioxo-6-yl group, as potential anticonvulsants. Fivfteen new derivatives (8a-8o) were synthesized and tested for anticonvulsant activity using maximal electroshock and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole induced seizure methods. Compound 8f possessing free NH group in 1,4-dihydropyridine ring, diethyl ester functionality at the positions 3 and 5 showed significant anticonvulsant and antioxidant activities. This was also supported by molecular properties prediction data. Selected compounds were evaluated for antinociceptive activity in capsaicin induced nociception assay at 10 mg/kg body weight, but displayed no significant activity at the tested dose. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of novel 1-[5-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl]-piperazine derivatives and evaluation of their in vivo anticonvulsant activity.

PubMed

Harish, Kikkeri P; Mohana, Kikkeri N; Mallesha, Lingappa; Prasanna Kumar, Basavapatna N

2013-07-01

A series of novel 1-[5-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl]-piperazine derivatives 8(a-o) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and mass spectral studies. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for their anticonvulsant activity against maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model in male wistar rats and compared with the standard drug phenytoin. The neurotoxic effects were determined by rotorod test by using mice. Compounds 8d, 8e, 8f and 8h were found to be most potent of this series. The same compounds showed no neurotoxicity at the maximum dose administered (100 mg/kg). The efforts were also made to establish the structure activity relationships among synthesized compounds. The pharmacophore model was used to validate the anticonvulsant activity of the synthesized molecules. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Pro- and anticonvulsant actions of morphine and the endogenous opioids: involvement and interactions of multiple opiate and non-opiate systems.

PubMed

Frenk, H

1983-10-01

The proconvulsant actions of high doses of systemic morphine are probably mediated by 3 different systems. One of them produces non-convulsant electrographic seizures and can be activated separately from the others both by intracerebroventricular injections as well as microinjections into discrete subcortical areas. The enkephalins and beta-endorphin, when administered to the same loci, produce similar effects. Pharmacological evidence suggests that specific opiate receptors of the delta-subtype mediate the epileptiform effects produced by this system. The second system mediating proconvulsant effects of systemic morphine is not mediated by stereo-specific opiate receptors. It produces behavioral convulsions, and the GABA-ergic system has been implicated in its action. A third proconvulsant action of systemic morphine can be activated separately from the other two systems by administering this compound with other convulsive agents or manipulations. Specific mu-type opiate receptors are implicated in this effect. In addition to potent proconvulsant effects, systemic morphine also has anticonvulsant properties which are mediated by specific opiate mu-receptors. The conditions under which morphine acts as a proconvulsant rather than an anticonvulsant agent are, as yet, not understood.

A rat model of nerve agent exposure applicable to the pediatric population: The anticonvulsant efficacies of atropine and GluK1 antagonists.

PubMed

Miller, Steven L; Aroniadou-Anderjaska, Vassiliki; Figueiredo, Taiza H; Prager, Eric M; Almeida-Suhett, Camila P; Apland, James P; Braga, Maria F M

2015-04-15

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) after nerve agent exposure induces status epilepticus (SE), which causes brain damage or death. The development of countermeasures appropriate for the pediatric population requires testing of anticonvulsant treatments in immature animals. In the present study, exposure of 21-day-old (P21) rats to different doses of soman, followed by probit analysis, produced an LD50 of 62μg/kg. The onset of behaviorally-observed SE was accompanied by a dramatic decrease in brain AChE activity; rats who did not develop SE had significantly less reduction of AChE activity in the basolateral amygdala than rats who developed SE. Atropine sulfate (ATS) at 2mg/kg, administered 20 min after soman exposure (1.2×LD50), terminated seizures. ATS at 0.5mg/kg, given along with an oxime within 1 min after exposure, allowed testing of anticonvulsants at delayed time-points. The AMPA/GluK1 receptor antagonist LY293558, or the specific GluK1 antagonist UBP302, administered 1h post-exposure, terminated SE. There were no degenerating neurons in soman-exposed P21 rats, but both the amygdala and the hippocampus were smaller than in control rats at 30 and 90days post-exposure; this pathology was not present in rats treated with LY293558. Behavioral deficits present at 30 days post-exposure, were also prevented by LY293558 treatment. Thus, in immature animals, a single injection of atropine is sufficient to halt nerve agent-induced seizures, if administered timely. Testing anticonvulsants at delayed time-points requires early administration of ATS at a low dose, sufficient to counteract only peripheral toxicity. LY293558 administered 1h post-exposure, prevents brain pathology and behavioral deficits. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A rat model of nerve agent exposure applicable to the pediatric population: The anticonvulsant efficacies of atropine and GluK1 antagonists

PubMed Central

Miller, Steven L.; Aroniadou-Anderjaska, Vassiliki; Figueiredo, Taiza H.; Prager, Eric M.; Almeida-Suhett, Camila P.; Apland, James P.; Braga, Maria F.M.

2015-01-01

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) after nerve agent exposure induces status epilepticus (SE), which causes brain damage or death. The development of countermeasures appropriate for the pediatric population requires testing of anticonvulsant treatments in immature animals. In the present study, exposure of 21-day-old (P21) rats to different doses of soman, followed by probit analysis, produced an LD50 of 62 μg/kg. The onset of behaviorally-observed SE was accompanied by a dramatic decrease in brain AChE activity; rats who did not develop SE had significantly less reduction of AChE activity in the basolateral amygdala than rats who developed SE. Atropine sulfate (ATS) at 2 mg/kg, administered 20 min after soman exposure (1.2XLD50), terminated seizures. ATS at 0.5 mg/kg, given along with an oxime within 1 min after exposure, allowed testing of anticonvulsants at delayed time-points. The AMPA/GluK1 receptor antagonist LY293558, or the specific GluK1 antagonist UBP302, administered 1 h post-exposure, terminated SE. There were no degenerating neurons in soman-exposed P21 rats, but both the amygdala and the hippocampus were smaller than in control rats at 30 and 90 days post-exposure; this pathology was not present in rats treated with LY293558. Behavioral deficits present at 30 days post-exposure, were also prevented by LY293558 treatment. Thus, in immature animals, a single injection of atropine is sufficient to halt nerve agent-induced seizures, if administered timely. Testing anticonvulsants at delayed time-points requires early administration of ATS at a low dose, sufficient to counteract only peripheral toxicity. LY293558 administered 1 h post-exposure, prevents brain pathology and behavioral deficits. PMID:25689173

Synthesis and research of benzylamides of some isocyclic and heterocyclic acids as potential anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Strupińska, Marzanna; Rostafińska-Suchar, Grazyna; Pirianowicz-Chaber, Elzbieta; Stables, James P; Jiang, Jeff; Paruszewski, Ryszard

2013-01-01

A series of benzylamides of isocyclic and heterocyclic acids was synthesized and tested in Anticonvulsant Screening Project (ASP) of Antiepileptic Drug Development Program (ADDP) of NIH. Near all synthesized derivatives of heterocyclic acids showed activity. All obtained derivatives of mono- and bicyclic isocyclic acids were inactive. The power of action of heterocyclic acids derivatives seems does not depend upon kind of heteroatom (N, O or S). One of the compounds (2-furoic acid benzylamide (4)) appeared most promising. It showed in minimal clonic seizure (6Hz) test (ASP) in rats after i. p. administration: MES ED50 = 36.5 mg/kg, TOX TD50 = 269.75 mg/kg, and PI = 7.39.

Chemical Composition, Anticonvulsant Activity, and Toxicity of Essential Oil and Methanolic Extract of Elettaria cardamomum.

PubMed

Masoumi-Ardakani, Yaser; Mandegary, Ali; Esmaeilpour, Khadijeh; Najafipour, Hamid; Sharififar, Fariba; Pakravanan, Mahboobeh; Ghazvini, Hamed

2016-11-01

Elettaria cardamomum is an aromatic spice (cardamom) native to the humid Asian areas, which contains some compounds with a potential anticonvulsant activity. Various pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects have been related to this plant. This research was conducted to examine the probable protective impact of the essential oil and methanolic extract of E. cardamomum against chemically (pentylentetrazole)- and electrically (maximal electroshock)-induced seizures in mice. In addition, neurotoxicity, acute lethality, and phytochemistry of the essential oil and methanolic extract were estimated. The TLC method showed the presence of kaempferol, rutin, and quercetin in the extract, and the concentration of quercetin in the extract was 0.5 µg/mL. The major compounds in the essential oil were 1,8-cineole (45.6 %), α -terpinyl acetate (33.7 %), sabinene (3.8 %), 4-terpinen-4-ol (2.4 %), and myrcene (2.2 %), respectively. The extract and essential oil showed significant neurotoxicity in the rotarod test at the doses of 1.5 g/kg and 0.75 mL/kg, respectively. No mortalities were observed up to the doses of 2 g/kg and 0.75 mL/kg for the extract and essential oil. The essential oil was effective in both the pentylentetrazole and maximal electroshock models; however, the extract was only effective in the pentylentetrazole model. The study suggested that E. cardamomum methanolic extract had no significant lethality in mice. Both the essential oil and methanolic extract showed movement toxicity. Anticonvulsant effects of E. cardamomum were negligible against the seizures induced by pentylentetrazole and maximal electroshock. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Design and synthesis of novel stiripentol analogues as potential anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Aboul-Enein, Mohamed N; El-Azzouny, Aida A; Attia, Mohamed I; Maklad, Yousreya A; Amin, Kamilia M; Abdel-Rehim, Mohamed; El-Behairy, Mohammed F

2012-01-01

A series of stiripentol (STP) analogues namely, 2-[(1E)-1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-4,4-dimethylpent-1-en-3-ylidene]-N-(aryl/H)hydrazinecarboxamides 7a-h, (±)-(5RS)-N-(aryl/H)-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3-tert-butyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carboxamides (±)-8a-h, and (±)-[(5RS)-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3-tert-butyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl](aryl)methanones (±)-13a-f was synthesized by adopting appropriate synthetic routes and was pharmacologically evaluated in the preliminary anticonvulsant screens. The selected bioactive new chemical entities were subjected to ED(50) determination and neurotoxicity evaluation. The most active congeners are 7h in MES screen and (±)-13b in scPTZ screen which displayed ED(50) values of 87 and 110 mg/kg, respectively, as compared to that of STP (ED(50) = 277.7 and 115 mg/kg in MES and scPTZ, respectively). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

SYNTHESIS AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF N-(SUBSTITUTED PHENYL)-2-(5H-[1,2,4]TRIAZINO[5,6-b]INDOL-3-YLSULFANYL)ACETAMIDES AS ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIDEPRESSANT AND ANTICONVULSANT AGENTS.

PubMed

Shruthi, N; Poojary, Boja; Kumar, Vasantha; Prathibha, A; Hussain, Mumtaz Mohammed; Revanasiddappa, B C; Joshi, Himanshu

2015-01-01

A new series of N-Aryl-2-(5H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indol-3-ylsulfanyl)acetamides were synthesized by condensation of tricyclic compound 2,5-dihydro-3H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indole-3-thione with chloro N-phenylacetamides. The tricyclic compound was obtained by condensation of Isatin with thiosemicarbazide. Chloro N-phenylacetamides were obtained from different substituted anilines. Their structures were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, LC-MS and elemental analyses. Newly synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial, antidepressant and anticonvulsant activities. Preliminary results indicated that most of the compounds showed lesser MIC value than the standard drug used when tested for antimicrobial activity. Some of the compounds were endowed with very good antidepressant and anticonvulsant activity.

Incorporation of monodisperse oligoethyleneglycol amino acids into anticonvulsant analogues of galanin and neuropeptide y provides peripherally acting analgesics.

PubMed

Zhang, Liuyin; Klein, Brian D; Metcalf, Cameron S; Smith, Misty D; McDougle, Daniel R; Lee, Hee-Kyoung; White, H Steve; Bulaj, Grzegorz

2013-02-04

Delivery of neuropeptides into the central and/or peripheral nervous systems supports development of novel neurotherapeutics for the treatment of pain, epilepsy and other neurological diseases. Our previous work showed that the combination of lipidization and cationization applied to anticonvulsant neuropeptides galanin (GAL) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) improved their penetration across the blood-brain barrier yielding potent antiepileptic lead compounds, such as Gal-B2 (NAX 5055) or NPY-B2. To dissect peripheral and central actions of anticonvulsant neuropeptides, we rationally designed, synthesized and characterized GAL and NPY analogues containing monodisperse (discrete) oligoethyleneglycol-lysine (dPEG-Lys). The dPEGylated analogues Gal-B2-dPEG(24), Gal-R2-dPEG(24) and NPY-dPEG(24) displayed analgesic activities following systemic administration, while avoiding penetration into the brain. Gal-B2-dPEG(24) was synthesized by a stepwise deprotection of orthogonal 4-methoxytrityl and allyloxycarbonyl groups, and subsequent on-resin conjugations of dPEG(24) and palmitic acids, respectively. All the dPEGylated analogues exhibited substantially decreased hydrophobicity (expressed as logD values), increased in vitro serum stabilities and pronounced analgesia in the formalin and carrageenan inflammatory pain assays following systemic administration, while lacking apparent antiseizure activities. These results suggest that discrete PEGylation of neuropeptides offers an attractive strategy for developing neurotherapeutics with restricted penetration into the central nervous system.

Detection of teratogens in human serum using rat embryo culture: cancer and epilepsy treatments. [Detecting teratogenicity of anticonvulsant and antineoplastic drugs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chatot, C. L.

1979-01-01

Growth (protein and DNA contents) of headfold stage rat embryos cultured for 48 hrs on human serum was enhanced by glucose supplementation. Embryo growth varied with the source of the serum. Sera from 3 of the 19 control subjects produced abnormal embryos. Sera from 5 subjects undergoing cancer chemotherapy and 6 subjects receiving anticonvulsants were either lethal or teratogenic to cultured rat embryos.

Searching for new leads to treat epilepsy. Target-based virtual screening for the discovery of anticonvulsant agents.

PubMed

Palestro, Pablo; Enrique, Nicolas; Goicoechea, Sofia; Villalba, María Luisa; Sabatier, Laureano Leonel; Martin, Pedro; Milesi, Veronica; Bruno-Blanch, Luis E; Gavernet, Luciana

2018-06-05

The purpose of this investigation is to contribute to the development of new anticonvulsant drugs to treat patients with refractory epilepsy. We applied a virtual screening protocol that involved the search into molecular databases of new compounds and known drugs to find small molecules that interact with the open conformation of the Nav1.2 pore. As the 3D structure of human Nav1.2 is not available, we first assembled 3D models of the target, in closed and open conformations. After the virtual screening, the resulting candidates were submitted to a second virtual filter, to find compounds with better chances of being effective for the treatment of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated resistant epilepsy. Again, we built a model of the 3D structure of human P-gp and we validated the docking methodology selected to propose the best candidates, which were experimentally tested on Nav1.2 channels by patch clamp techniques and in vivo by MES-test. Patch clamp studies allowed us to corroborate that our candidates, drugs used for the treatment of other pathologies like Ciprofloxacin, Losartan and Valsartan, exhibit inhibitory effects on Nav1.2 channel activity. Additionally, a compound synthesized in our lab, N,N´-diphenethylsulfamide, interacts with the target and also triggers significant Na1.2 channel inhibitory action. Finally, in-vivo studies confirmed the anticonvulsant action of Valsartan, Ciprofloxacin and N.N´-diphenethylsulfamide.

1-[(2-arylthiazol-4-yl)methyl]azoles as a new class of anticonvulsants: design, synthesis, in vivo screening, and in silico drug-like properties.

PubMed

Ahangar, Nematollah; Ayati, Adile; Alipour, Eskandar; Pashapour, Arsalan; Foroumadi, Alireza; Emami, Saeed

2011-11-01

A series of novel thiazole incorporated (arylalkyl)azoles were synthesized and screened for their anticonvulsant properties using maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazole models in mice. Among target compounds, 1-[(2-(4-chlorophenyl)thiazol-4-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazole (compound 4b), 1-[(2-phenylthiazol-4-yl)methyl]-1H-1,2,4-tria-zole (8a), and its 4-chlorophenyl analog (compound 8b) were able to display noticeable anticonvulsant activity in both pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock tests with percentage protection range of 33-100%. A computational study was carried out for prediction of pharmacokinetics properties and drug-likeness. The structure-activity relationship and in silico drug relevant properties (molecular weight, topological polar surface area, clog P, hydrogen bond donors, hydrogen bond acceptors, and log BB) confirmed that the compounds were within the range set by Lipinski's rule-of-five, and possessing favorable physicochemical properties for acting as CNS-drugs, making them potentially promising agents for epilepsy therapy. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Anticonvulsant effects of structurally diverse GABA(B) positive allosteric modulators in the DBA/2J audiogenic seizure test: Comparison to baclofen and utility as a pharmacodynamic screening model.

PubMed

Brown, Jordan W; Moeller, Achim; Schmidt, Martin; Turner, Sean C; Nimmrich, Volker; Ma, Junli; Rueter, Lynne E; van der Kam, Elizabeth; Zhang, Min

2016-02-01

The GABA(B) receptor has been indicated as a promising target for multiple CNS-related disorders. Baclofen, a prototypical orthosteric agonist, is used clinically for the treatment of spastic movement disorders, but is associated with unwanted side-effects, such as sedation and motor impairment. Positive allosteric modulators (PAM), which bind to a topographically-distinct site apart from the orthosteric binding pocket, may provide an improved side-effect profile while maintaining baclofen-like efficacy. GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, plays an important role in the etiology and treatment of seizure disorders. Baclofen is known to produce anticonvulsant effects in the DBA/2J mouse audiogenic seizure test (AGS), suggesting it may be a suitable assay for assessing pharmacodynamic effects. Little is known about the effects of GABA(B) PAMs, however. The studies presented here sought to investigate the AGS test as a pharmacodynamic (PD) screening model for GABA(B) PAMs by comparing the profile of structurally diverse PAMs to baclofen. GS39783, rac-BHFF, CMPPE, A-1295120 (N-(3-(4-(4-chloro-3-fluorobenzyl)-6-methoxy-3,5-dioxo-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-2(3H)-yl)phenyl)acetamide), and A-1474713 (N-(3-(4-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3,5-dioxo-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-2(3H)-yl)phenyl)acetamide) all produced robust, dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects; a similar profile was observed with baclofen. Pre-treatment with the GABA(B) antagonist SCH50911 completely blocked the anticonvulsant effects of baclofen and CMPPE in the AGS test, indicating such effects are likely mediated by the GABA(B) receptor. In addition to the standard anticonvulsant endpoint of the AGS test, video tracking software was employed to assess potential drug-induced motor side-effects during the acclimation period of the test. This analysis was sensitive to detecting drug-induced changes in total distance traveled, which was used to establish a therapeutic index (TI = hypoactivity/anticonvulsant

Agmatine enhances the anticonvulsant effect of lithium chloride on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice: Involvement of L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway.

PubMed

Bahremand, Arash; Ziai, Pouya; Khodadad, Tina Kabiri; Payandemehr, Borna; Rahimian, Reza; Ghasemi, Abbas; Ghasemi, Mehdi; Hedayat, Tina; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2010-07-01

After nearly 60years, lithium is still the mainstay in the treatment of mood disorders. In addition to its antimanic and antidepressant effects, lithium also has anticonvulsant properties. Similar to lithium, agmatine plays a protective role in the central nervous system against seizures and has been reported to enhance the effect of different antiepileptic agents. Moreover, both agmatine and lithium have modulatory effects on the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway. This study was designed to investigate: (1) whether agmatine and lithium exert a synergistic effect against clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole and (2) whether or not this synergistic effect is mediated through inhibition of the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway. In our study, acute administration of a single potent dose of lithium chloride (30mg/kg ip) increased seizure threshold, whereas pretreatment with a low and independently noneffective dose of agmatine (3mg/kg) potentiated a subeffective dose of lithium (10mg/kg). N(G)-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nonspecific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) at 1 and 5mg/kg and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, preferential neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) at 15 and 30mg/kg augmented the anticonvulsant effect of the noneffective combination of lithium (10mg/kg ip) and agmatine (1mg/kg), whereas several doses (20 and 40mg/kg) of aminoguanidine (inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) failed to alter the seizure threshold of the same combination. Furthermore, pretreatment with independently noneffective doses (30 and 60mg/kg) of L-arginine (substrate for nitric oxide synthase) inhibited the potentiating effect of agmatine (3mg/kg) on lithium (10mg/kg). Our findings demonstrate that agmatine and lithium chloride have synergistic anticonvulsant properties that may be mediated through the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway. In addition, the role of constitutive nitric oxide synthase versus inducible nitric oxide synthase is prominent in this phenomenon

Anxiolytic and Anticonvulsant Effects on Mice of Flavonoids, Linalool, and α-Tocopherol Presents in the Extract of Leaves of Cissus sicyoides L. (Vitaceae)

PubMed Central

de Almeida, Edvaldo Rodrigues; de Oliveira Rafael, Krissia Rayane; Couto, Geraldo Bosco Lindoso; Ishigami, Ana Beatriz Matos

2009-01-01

The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the aerial parts of Cissus sicyoides L. (CS) (Vitaceae) on male and female mice using several behavioral assays. Groups of males and females treated via intraperitoneal (IP) with doses of 300, 600, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract showed significant action in the elevated plus-maze (EPM), time spent in the open arms, and number of entries in the open arms. The board-hole test also showed a significant increase in the time spent in head-dipping and in marble-burying test of the number of marbles buried. The same treatment increased the duration of sleeping time induced by sodium pentobarbital and also showed a significant increase in protection against pentylenotetrazole-induced convulsions. These results indicate an anxiolytic and anticonvulsant-like action from C. sicyoides L. extract on mice, probably due to the action of flavonoid(s), Linalool, and α-tocopherol present in the C. sicyoides leaves. PMID:19300520

New hybrid molecules with anticonvulsant and antinociceptive activity derived from 3-methyl- or 3,3-dimethyl-1-[1-oxo-1-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)propan-2-yl]pyrrolidine-2,5-diones.

PubMed

Kamiński, Krzysztof; Zagaja, Mirosław; Rapacz, Anna; Łuszczki, Jarogniew J; Andres-Mach, Marta; Abram, Michał; Obniska, Jolanta

2016-02-15

The purpose of this study was to synthetize the focused library of 34 new piperazinamides of 3-methyl- and 3,3-dimethyl-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanoic or butanoic acids as potential new hybrid anticonvulsants. These hybrid molecules join the chemical fragments of well-known antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as ethosuximide, levetiracetam, and lacosamide. Compounds 5-38 were prepared in a coupling reaction of the 3-methyl- or 3,3-dimethyl-2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanoic (1, 2) or butanoic acids (3, 4) with the appropriately substituted secondary amines in the presence of the N,N-carbonyldiimidazole reagent. The initial anticonvulsant screening was performed in mice (ip) using the 'classical' maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) tests as well as in the six-Hertz (6Hz) model of pharmacoresistant limbic seizures. The acute neurological toxicity was determined applying the chimney test. The broad spectra of activity across the preclinical seizure models in mice ip displayed compounds 7, 15, and 36. The most favorable anticonvulsant properties demonstrated 15 (ED50 MES=74.8mg/kg, ED50scPTZ=51.6mg/kg, ED50 6Hz=16.8mg/kg) which showed TD50=213.3mg/kg in the chimney test that yielded satisfying protective indexes (PI MES=2.85, PI scPTZ=4.13, PI 6Hz=12.70) at time point of 0.5h. As a result, compound 15 displayed comparable or better safety profile than clinically relevant AEDs: ethosuximide, lacosamide or valproic acid. In the in vitro assays compound 15 was observed as relatively effective binder to the neuronal voltage-sensitive sodium and L-type calcium channels. Beyond the anticonvulsant properties, 6 compounds diminished the pain responses in the formalin model of tonic pain in mice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anticonvulsant effects of ethanol stem bark extract of Lannea barteri (Anacardiaceae) in mice and chicks.

PubMed

Garba, K; Yaro, A H; Ya'u, J

2015-08-22

Preparation of Lannea barteri is used in the treatment of epilepsy, gastritis, childhood convulsions among other uses in northern Nigeria for many years. The popularity of its efficacy is well established among the Traditional Medical Practitioners. The present study aimed at screening the ethanol stem bark extract of Lannea barteri for possible anticonvulsant action. Anticonvulsant screening was carried out using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), strychnine (STN) and picrotoxin (PTC) induced seizures in mice while Maximal electroshock (MES) test was carried out in day old chicks. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract was performed on the extract. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose (LD50) was carried out in mice. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) LD50 of the extract was estimated to be 567.70 mg/kg in mice. Lannea barteri (160 mg/kg) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) delayed the mean onset of seizures induced by PTZ when compared with normal saline treated group. Similarly, the extract at 160 mg/kg significantly (p ≤ 0.05) prolonged the latency of convulsion induced by STN. Lannea barteri (40 mg/kg) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) delayed the mean onset of seizures induced by picrotoxin in mice. The extracts at all the doses tested showed no observable effect in decreasing the mean recovery time of convulsed chicks in MEST. Flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and glycosides were found present in the stem bark extract. Our findings revealed that the ethanol stem bark extract of Lannea barteri contained bioactive constituents that may be useful in the management of petit mal epilepsy and supports the ethnomedical claim for the use of its stem bark in the management of epilepsy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analgesic and anticonvulsant effects of extracts from the leaves of Kalanchoe crenata (Andrews) Haworth (Crassulaceae).

PubMed

Nguelefack, T B; Nana, P; Atsamo, A D; Dimo, T; Watcho, P; Dongmo, A B; Tapondjou, L A; Njamen, D; Wansi, S L; Kamanyi, A

2006-06-15

Kalanchoe crenata Andr. (Crassulaceae) is a fleshy herbaceous plant used in the African traditional medicine as remedies against otitis, headache, inflammations, convulsions and general debility. In the present work, the analgesic effects of methylene chloride/methanol (1:1) (CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH) extract and its hexane, methylene chloride (CH(2)Cl(2)), ethyl acetate, n-butanol fractions and aqueous residue have been evaluated using acetic acid, formalin and pressure test. The anticonvulsant effects of the CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH extract were also investigated on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ 70 mg/kg), strychnine sulphate (STN 2.5 mg/kg) and thiosemicarbazide (TSC 50 mg/kg). CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH extract and its fractions, administered orally at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg, exhibited protective effect of at least 30% on the pain induced by acetic acid. The CH(2)Cl(2) fraction at 300 mg/kg showed a maximal effect of 78.49%. The CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH extract and its CH(2)Cl(2) fraction at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg significantly reduced the first phase of pain induced by formalin while the second phase was completely inhibited. The CH(2)Cl(2) fraction produced more than 45% reduction in the sensitivity to pain induced by pressure. The CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH extract of Kalanchoe crenata significantly increased the latency period in seizures induced by PTZ and significantly reduced the duration of seizures induced by the three convulsant agents. The extract protected 20% of animals against death in seizures induced by TSC and STN. These results suggest a peripheral and central analgesic activities as well as an anticonvulsant effect of the leaves of Kalanchoe crenata.

Causes of CNS inflammation and potential targets for anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Falip, Mercé; Salas-Puig, Xavier; Cara, Carlos

2013-08-01

Inflammation is one of the most important endogenous defence mechanisms in an organism. It has been suggested that inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of a number of human epilepsies and convulsive disorders, and there is clinical and experimental evidence to suggest that inflammatory processes within the CNS may either contribute to or be a consequence of epileptogenesis. This review discusses evidence from human studies on the role of inflammation in epilepsy and highlights potential new targets in the inflammatory cascade for antiepileptic drugs. A number of mechanisms have been shown to be involved in CNS inflammatory reactions. These include an inflammatory response at the level of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), immune-mediated damage to the CNS, stress-induced release of inflammatory mediators and direct neuronal dysfunction or damage as a result of inflammatory reactions. Mediators of inflammation in the CNS include interleukin (IL)-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-κB and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4). IL-1β, BBB and high-mobility group box-1-TLR4 signalling appear to be the most promising targets for anticonvulsant agents directed at inflammation. Such agents may provide effective therapy for drug-resistant epilepsies in the future.

Novel Hybrid Anticonvulsants Derived from Pyrrolidine-2,5-dione Scaffold with Broad Spectrum of Activity in the Preclinical Studies.

PubMed

Kaminski, Krzysztof

2017-01-01

The multifunctional ligands application is an emerging approach in drug delivery, mainly in the treatment of diseases with complex pathology, such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and epilepsy. Using this method many biomolecules with different properties are combined to form a single unit that can provide a complex broad spectrum activity. Thus, a new type of hybrid anticonvulsants based on the pyrrolidine-2,5-dione frame are detailed with the aim of acquiring more effective antiepileptic drugs (AED) that could suppress various human convulsions. These hybrid molecules attach to the chemical particles of clinically relevant AEDs such as ethosuximide, levetiracetam, and lacosamide. As a result of this hybridization process the compounds obtained were effective in three most important animal epilepsy models, namely the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test, the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) test, and the six-Hertz (6 Hz) model in mice. These substances displayed wider spectrum of protection, more potent efficacy, and better safety profile than the aforementioned AEDs. Several compounds were also active in the formalin model of persistent pain in mice. The in vitro ligand binding studies have proved that the most conceivable molecular mechanism of anticonvulsant and antinociceptive action was the influence on the neuronal voltage-sensitive sodium and L-type calcium channels. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Anticonvulsant Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Alpinia officinarum Rhizomesin Mice: Involvement of Benzodiazepine and Opioid Receptors

PubMed Central

Nejad, Shaghayegh Rezvani; Motevalian, Manijeh; Fatemi, Iman; Shojaii, Asie

2017-01-01

Background and Purpose Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological conditions. The current therapeutic treatment of epilepsy with modern antiepileptic drugs is associated with side effects, dose-related and chronic toxicity, and teratogenic effects and in approximately 30% of the patients is ineffective. Alpinia officinarum is used in Iranian traditional medicine for treatment of different diseases like back pain and seizure. Methods In this study, anticonvulsant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes were examined by using pentylentetrazole (PTZ) model in mice. Alpinia officinarum rhizomes extract (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg), diazepam (1 mg/kg) and normal saline (10 mL/kg) were injected (ip) 30 minutes before PTZ (90 mg/kg, ip). The time taken before the onset of clonic convulsions, the duration of colonic convulsions, and the percentage of seizure and mortality protection were recorded. For further clarification of the mechanism of action for Alpinia officinarum, flumazenil (2 mg/kg, ip) and naloxone (5 mg/kg, ip) were also injected 5 minutes before Alpinia officinarum extract. Results Alpinia officinarum extract at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg prolonged the time of onset of seizure and decreased the duration of seizures compared to control (saline) group (p < 0.05). At the dose of 600 mg/kg, percentage of seizure protection was 16.66%. Naloxone and flumazenil could suppress anticonvulsant effects of Alpinia officinarum. Conclusions It seems that Alpinia officinarum could be a good candidate and be useful for seizure control and treatment, and in these effects, opioid and benzodiazepine receptors might probably be involved. PMID:28775953

Anticonvulsant Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Alpinia officinarum Rhizomesin Mice: Involvement of Benzodiazepine and Opioid Receptors.

PubMed

Nejad, Shaghayegh Rezvani; Motevalian, Manijeh; Fatemi, Iman; Shojaii, Asie

2017-06-01

Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological conditions. The current therapeutic treatment of epilepsy with modern antiepileptic drugs is associated with side effects, dose-related and chronic toxicity, and teratogenic effects and in approximately 30% of the patients is ineffective. Alpinia officinarum is used in Iranian traditional medicine for treatment of different diseases like back pain and seizure. In this study, anticonvulsant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes were examined by using pentylentetrazole (PTZ) model in mice. Alpinia officinarum rhizomes extract (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg), diazepam (1 mg/kg) and normal saline (10 mL/kg) were injected (ip) 30 minutes before PTZ (90 mg/kg, ip). The time taken before the onset of clonic convulsions, the duration of colonic convulsions, and the percentage of seizure and mortality protection were recorded. For further clarification of the mechanism of action for Alpinia officinarum , flumazenil (2 mg/kg, ip) and naloxone (5 mg/kg, ip) were also injected 5 minutes before Alpinia officinarum extract. Alpinia officinarum extract at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg prolonged the time of onset of seizure and decreased the duration of seizures compared to control (saline) group ( p < 0.05). At the dose of 600 mg/kg, percentage of seizure protection was 16.66%. Naloxone and flumazenil could suppress anticonvulsant effects of Alpinia officinarum . It seems that Alpinia officinarum could be a good candidate and be useful for seizure control and treatment, and in these effects, opioid and benzodiazepine receptors might probably be involved.

Design and synthesis of novel diphenyl oxalamide and diphenyl acetamide derivatives as anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Nikalje, Anna Pratima G; Ghodke, Mangesh; Girbane, Amol

2012-01-01

A series of novel N(1) -substituted-N(2) ,N(2) -diphenyl oxalamides 3a-l were synthesized in good yield by stirring diphenylcarbamoyl formyl chloride (2) and various substituted aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, heterocyclic amines in DMF and K(2) CO(3) . Also 2-substituted amino-N,N-diphenylacetamides 5a-m were designed by pharmacophore generation and synthesized by stirring 2-chloro-N,N-diphenylacetamide (4) and various substituted amines in acetone using triethyl amine as a catalyst. All the synthesized compounds were screened for anticonvulsant activity in Swiss albino mice by MES and ScPTZ induced seizure tests. Neurotoxicity screening and behavioral testing was also carried out. Some of the synthesized test compounds were found to be more potent than the standard drug. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Influence of arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide, a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist, on the anticonvulsant and acute side-effect potentials of clobazam, lacosamide, and pregabalin in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure model and chimney test in mice.

PubMed

Florek-Luszczki, Magdalena; Zagaja, Miroslaw; Luszczki, Jarogniew J

2015-08-01

The influence of arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA - a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist) on the anticonvulsant potency and acute adverse-effect potentials of clobazam, lacosamide, and pregabalin was determined in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure model and chimney test in mice. ACEA (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant potency of pregabalin in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure model by decreasing the median effective dose (ED50 ) of pregabalin from 125.39 to 78.06 mg/kg (P < 0.05). In contrast, ACEA (2.5 mg/kg) had no significant impact on the anticonvulsant potency of clobazam and lacosamide in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure model. On the other hand, ACEA (2.5 mg/kg) did not affect acute adverse effects of clobazam, lacosamide or pregabalin, and the median toxic doses (TD50 ) for the studied anti-epileptic drugs in combination with ACEA did not differ from the TD50 values as determined for the drugs administered alone in the chimney test. In conclusion, ACEA ameliorates the pharmacological profile of pregabalin, when considering both the anticonvulsant and the acute adverse effects of the drug in preclinical study on animals. The combination of pregabalin with ACEA can be of pivotal importance for patients with epilepsy as a potentially advantageous combination if the results from this study translate into clinical settings. © 2015 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique.

Analgesic, anticonvulsant and antioxidant activities of 3-[4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-dihydrofuran-2-one dihydrochloride in mice.

PubMed

Salat, Kinga; Moniczewski, Andrzej; Salat, Robert; Janaszek, Monika; Filipek, Barbara; Malawska, Barbara; Wieckowski, Krzysztof

2012-03-01

Recently we have shown that 3-[4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-dihydrofuran-2-one dihydrochloride (LPP1) is an antinociceptive and local anesthetic agent in rodents. Below an extended study of the pharmacological activity of LPP1 is described. In vitro LPP1 has no affinity for GABA(A), opioidergic μ and serotonergic 5-HT(1A) receptors. The total antioxidant capacity of LPP1 (1-10mM) measured as ABTS radical cation-scavenging activity showed that LPP1 has dose-dependent antioxidant properties in vitro. Low plasma concentration of this compound detected by means of HPLC method 30min after its intraperitoneal administration suggests a rapid conversion to metabolite(s) which may be responsible for its analgesic and anticonvulsant activities in vivo. In vivo the compound's influence on the electroconvulsive threshold and its activity in the maximal electroshock seizure test (MES) were evaluated. The results demonstrated that LPP1 had an anticonvulsant activity in the MES model (ED(50)=112mg/kg) and at a dose of 50mg/kg was able to elevate the electroconvulsive threshold for 8mA as compared to the vehicle-treated mice. The analgesic activity of LPP1 was investigated in the acetic acid-induced writhing test in two groups of mice: animals with sensory C-fibers ablated, and mice with C-fibers unimpaired. It proved the potent activity of this compound in both groups (approximately 85% as compared to the vehicle-treated mice). The adverse effects of LPP1 were evaluated as acute toxicity (LD(50)=747.8mg/kg) and motor coordination impairments in the rotarod and chimney tests. The results from these tests show that LPP1 at doses higher than 100mg/kg is likely to impair the motor performance of experimental animals. Concluding, LPP1 is an analgesic and anticonvulsant compound which has antioxidant properties in vitro. Further studies are necessary to assess whether the antioxidant activity and the receptor profiling demonstrated in vitro can be confirmed for its

Anticonvulsant activity of a mGlu(4alpha) receptor selective agonist, (1S,3R,4S)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid.

PubMed

Chapman, A G; Talebi, A; Yip, P K; Meldrum, B S

2001-07-20

The metabotropic Group III agonist, (1S,3R,4S)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (ACPT-1), selective for the mGlu(4alpha) receptor, suppresses sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice following its intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration (ED(50) 5.6 [2.9-10.7], nmol i.c.v., 15 min, clonic phase) and in genetically epilepsy-prone (GEP) rats following focal administration into the inferior colliculus (ED(50) 0.08 [0.01-0.50], nmol, 60 min, clonic phase). ACPT-1 also protects against clonic seizures induced in DBA/2 mice by the Group I agonist, (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (3,5-DHPG) (ED(50) 0.60 [0.29-1.2], nmol i.c.v.) and by the Group III antagonist, (RS)-alpha-methylserine-O-phosphate (MSOP) (ED(50) 49.3 [37.9-64.1], nmol i.c.v.). Another Group III agonist, (RS)-4-phosphonophenyl-glycine (PPG), preferentially activating the mGlu(8) receptor, previously shown to protect against sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice and GEP rats, also protects against seizures induced in DBA/2 by 3,5-DHPG (ED(50) 3.7 [2.4-5.7], nmol i.c.v.) and by the Group III antagonist, MSOP (ED(50) 40.2 [21.0-77.0], nmol i.c.v.). At very high doses (500 nmol i.c.v. and above), Group III antagonists have pro-convulsant and convulsant activity. The anticonvulsant protection against sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice provided by a fully protective dose (20 nmol, i.c.v.) of the mGlu(4) receptor agonist ACPT-1, is partially reversed by the co-administration of the Group III antagonists, MSOP, (RS)-alpha-methyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine (MPPG) or (S)-2-amino-2-methyl-4-phosphonobutanoic acid (MAP4), in the 20-50 nmol dose range. At doses of 50-200 nmol, MPPG and MAP4 cause further reversal of the ACPT-1 anticonvulsant protection, while the MSOP effect on ACPT-1 protection is abolished at higher doses. In contrast, the anticonvulsant protection against sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice provided by a fully protective dose (20 nmol, i.c.v.) of the mGlu(8) receptor agonist PPG, is not

Design and Comparative Evaluation of the Anticonvulsant Profile, Carbonic-Anhydrate Inhibition and Teratogenicity of Novel Carbamate Derivatives of Branched Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids with 4-Aminobenzensulfonamide.

PubMed

Bibi, David; Mawasi, Hafiz; Nocentini, Alessio; Supuran, Claudiu T; Wlodarczyk, Bogdan; Finnell, Richard H; Bialer, Meir

2017-07-01

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases, with between 34 and 76 per 100,000 people developing epilepsy annually. Epilepsy therapy for the past 100 + years is based on the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Despite the availability of more than twenty old and new AEDs, approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy are not seizure-free with the existing medications. In addition, the clinical use of the existing AEDs is restricted by their side-effects, including the teratogenicity associated with valproic acid that restricts its use in women of child-bearing age. Thus, there is an unmet clinical need to develop new, effective AEDs. In the present study, a novel class of carbamates incorporating phenethyl or branched aliphatic chains with 6-9 carbons in their side-chain, and 4-benzenesulfonamide-carbamate moieties were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity, teratogenicity and carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibition. Three of the ten newly synthesized carbamates showed anticonvulsant activity in the maximal-electroshock (MES) and 6 Hz tests in rodents. In mice, 3-methyl-2-propylpentyl(4-sulfamoylphenyl)carbamate(1), 3-methyl-pentan-2-yl-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)carbamate (9) and 3-methylpentyl, (4-sulfamoylphenyl)carbamate (10) had ED 50 values of 136, 31 and 14 mg/kg (MES) and 74, 53, and 80 mg/kg (6 Hz), respectively. Compound (10) had rat-MES-ED 50  = 13 mg/kg and ED 50 of 59 mg/kg at the mouse-corneal-kindling test. These potent carbamates (1,9,10) induced neural tube defects only at doses markedly exceeding their anticonvuslnat-ED 50 values. None of these compounds were potent inhibitors of CA IV, but inhibited CA isoforms I, II and VII. The anticonvulsant properties of these compounds and particularly compound 10 make them potential candidates for further evaluation and development as new AEDs.

Practical synthesis, anticonvulsant, and antimicrobial activity of N-allyl and N-propargyl di(indolyl)indolin-2-ones.

PubMed

Praveen, Chandrasekaran; Ayyanar, Asairajan; Perumal, Paramasivan Thirumalai

2011-07-01

An operation friendly protocol for the synthesis of novel di(indolyl)indolin-2-ones via Cu(OTf)(2) catalyzed bis-addition of N-allyl and N-propargyl indole with isatin was developed. This methodology allowed us to achieve the products in excellent yields without requiring purification technique like column chromatography. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vivo anticonvulsant activity against maximal electroshock test. Six compounds showed maximum activity compared to the standard drug phenytoin. The scope of the new molecules as antimicrobial agents were tested against two bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and one fungal strain (Candida albicans). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of Pimpinella anisum in rat brain

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Essential oil of Pimpinella anisum L. Apiaceae (anise oil) has been widely used in traditional Persian medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including some neurological disorders. This study was aimed to test the possible anti-seizure and anti-hypoxia effects of anise oil. Methods The effects of different concentrations of anise oil were tested on seizure attacks induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) injection and neuronal hypoxia induced by oxygen withdrawal as well as on production of dark neurons and induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in in vivo and in vitro experimental models of rat brain. Results Anise oil significantly prolonged the latency of seizure attacks and reduced the amplitude and duration of epileptiform burst discharges induced by injection of intraperitoneal PTZ. In addition, anise oil significantly inhibited production of dark neurons in different regions of the brain in epileptic rats. Anise oil also significantly enhanced the duration of the appearance of anoxic terminal negativity induced by oxygen withdrawal and inhibited induction of LTP in hippocampal slices. Conclusions Our data indicate the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of anise oil, likely via inhibition of synaptic plasticity. Further evaluation of anise oil to use in the treatment of neurological disorders is suggested. PMID:22709243

Anticonvulsant effects of acute treatment with cyane-carvone at repeated oral doses in epilepsy models.

PubMed

Marques, Thiago Henrique Costa; Marques, Maria Leonildes Boavista Gomes Castelo Branco; Medeiros, Jand-Venes Rolim; Lima, Tamires Cardoso; de Sousa, Damião Pergentino; de Freitas, Rivelilson Mendes

2014-09-01

Epilepsy affects about 40 million people worldwide. Many drugs block seizures, but have little effect in preventing or curing this disease. So the search for new drugs for epilepsy treatment using animal models prior to testing in humans is important. Increasingly pharmaceutical industries invest in the Re​search & Drug Development area to seek safe and effective new therapeutic alternatives to the currently available epilepsy treatment. In this perspective, natural compounds have been investigated in epilepsy models, particularly the monoterpenes obtained from medicinal plants. In our study we investigated the effects of cyane-carvone (CC), a synthetic substance prepared from natural a monoterpene, carvone, against pilocarpine- (PILO), pentylenetetrazole- (PTZ) and picrotoxine (PTX)-induced seizures in mice after acute treatment with repeated oral doses (CC 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg) for 14 days. CC in all doses tested showed increase in latency to first seizure, decrease in percentages of seizuring animals as well as reduction percentages of dead animals (p<0.05) in PILO, PTZ and PTX groups when compared with vehicle. However, these effects were not reversed by flumazenil, benzodiazepine (BZD) antagonist used to investigate the CC action mechanism. Our results suggest that acute treatment with CC at the doses tested can exert anticonvulsant effects in PILO, PTZ and PTX epilepsy models. In addition, our data suggest that CC could act in an allosteric site of GABAA, which would be different from the site in which BDZ acts, since flumazenil was not able to reverse any of CC effects on the modulation of seizure parameters related with epilepsy models investigated. New studies should be conducted to investigate CC effects in other neurotransmitter systems. Nevertheless, our study reinforces the hypothesis that CC could be used, after further research, as a new pharmaceutical formulation and a promising alternative for epilepsy treatment, since it showed anticonvulsant

Response Rates to Anticonvulsant Trials in Patients with Triphasic-Wave EEG Patterns of Uncertain Significance.

PubMed

O'Rourke, Deirdre; Chen, Patrick M; Gaspard, Nicolas; Foreman, Brandon; McClain, Lauren; Karakis, Ioannis; Mahulikar, Advait; Westover, M Brandon

2016-04-01

Generalized triphasic waves (TPWs) occur in both metabolic encephalopathies and non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). Empiric trials of benzodiazepines (BZDs) or non-sedating AED (NSAEDs) are commonly used to differentiate the two, but the utility of such trials is debated. The goal of this study was to assess response rates of such trials and investigate whether metabolic profile differences affect the likelihood of a response. Three institutions within the Critical Care EEG Monitoring Research Consortium retrospectively identified patients with unexplained encephalopathy and TPWs who had undergone a trial of BZD and/or NSAEDs to differentiate between ictal and non-ictal patterns. We assessed responder rates and compared metabolic profiles of responders and non-responders. Response was defined as resolution of the EEG pattern and either unequivocal improvement in encephalopathy or appearance of previously absent normal EEG patterns, and further categorized as immediate (within <2 h of trial initiation) or delayed (>2 h from trial initiation). We identified 64 patients with TPWs who had an empiric trial of BZD and/or NSAED. Most patients (71.9%) were admitted with metabolic derangements and/or infection. Positive clinical responses occurred in 10/53 (18.9%) treated with BZDs. Responses to NSAEDs occurred in 19/45 (42.2%), being immediate in 6.7%, delayed but definite in 20.0%, and delayed but equivocal in 15.6%. Overall, 22/64 (34.4%) showed a definite response to either BZDs or NSAEDs, and 7/64 (10.9%) showed a possible response. Metabolic differences of responders versus non-responders were statistically insignificant, except that the 48-h low value of albumin in the BZD responder group was lower than in the non-responder group. Similar metabolic profiles in patients with encephalopathy and TPWs between responders and non-responders to anticonvulsants suggest that predicting responders a priori is difficult. The high responder rate suggests that empiric

Anticonvulsant effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack. in rats with kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure.

PubMed

Hsieh, C L; Chen, M F; Li, T C; Li, S C; Tang, N Y; Hsieh, C T; Pon, C Z; Lin, J G

1999-01-01

This study investigated the anticonvulsant effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and the physiological mechanisms of its action in rats. A total of 70 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected for study. Thirty four of these rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: 1) CONTROL GROUP (n = 6): received intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg); 2) UR1000 group (n = 10), 3) UR500 group (n = 6) 4) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 5) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Behavior and EEG were monitored from 15 min prior to drug administration to 3 hours after KA administration. The number of wet dog shakes were counted at 10 min intervals throughout the experimental course. The remaining 36 rats were used to measure the lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex one hour after KA administration. These rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats as follows: 1) Normal group: no treatment was given; 2) CONTROL GROUP: received KA (12 mg/kg) i.p.; 3) UR1000 group, 4) UR500 group, 5) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 6) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Our results indicated that both UR 1000 and 500 mg/kg decreased the incidence of KA-induced wet dog shakes, no similar effect was observed in the UR 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg group. Treatment with UR 1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, or 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg decreased KA-induced lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex and was dose-dependent. These findings suggest that the anticonvulsant effect of UR possibly results from its suppressive effect on lipid peroxidation in the brain.

In silico validation and structure activity relationship study of a series of pyridine-3-carbohydrazide derivatives as potential anticonvulsants in generalized and partial seizures.

PubMed

Sinha, Reema; Sara, Udai Vir Singh; Khosa, Ratan Lal; Stables, James; Jain, Jainendra

2013-06-01

A series of twelve compounds (Compounds RNH1-RNH12) of acid hydrazones of pyridine-3-carbohydrazide or nicotinic acid hydrazide was synthesized and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity by MES, scPTZ, minimal clonic seizure and corneal kindling seizure test. Neurotoxicity was also determined for these compounds by rotarod test. Results showed that halogen substitution at meta and para position of phenyl ring exhibited better protection than ortho substitution. Compounds RNH4 and RNH12, were found to be the active analogs displaying 6Hz ED50 of 75.4 and 14.77 mg/kg while the corresponding MES ED50 values were 113.4 and 29.3 mg/kg respectively. In addition, compound RNH12 also showed scPTZ ED50 of 54.2 mg/kg. In the series, compound RNH12 with trifluoromethoxy substituted phenyl ring was the most potent analog exhibiting protection in all four animal models of epilepsy. Molecular docking study has also shown significant binding interactions of these two compounds with 1OHV, 2A1H and 1PBQ receptors. Thus, N-[(meta or para halogen substituted) benzylidene] pyridine-3-carbohydrazides could be used as lead compounds in anticonvulsant drug design and discovery.

Anticonvulsant actions of anticholinergic drugs in soman poisoning. (Reannouncement with new availability information)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Capacio, B.R.; Shih, T.M.

1991-12-31

The acute effects of the organophosphorus cholinesterase inhibitor soman include hypersecretions, convulsions, and death. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anticholinergic compounds, aprophen, atropine sulfate, azaprophen, benactyzine, benztropine, biperiden, scopolamine HBr, and trihexyphenidyl for their efficacy in preventing soman-induced hypersecretions and convulsions. Male rats were injected with the oxime HI-6 (125 mg/kg, i.p.), to increase survival time, along with various intramuscular doses of the anticholinergics 30 min prior to a dose of soman that produced 100% convulsions. Signs of intoxication as well as the time-to-onset of convulsions were observed. The calculated anticonvulsant median effective dose values weremore » 0.18, 0.33, 0.36, 0.55, 2.17, 2.30, 2.45, and 31.09 micro mol per kilogram for scopolamine HBr, biperiden, trihexyphenidy, benactyzine, benztropine, azaprophen, aprophen, and atropine sulfate, respectively. The same rank order by potency for inhibition of hypersecretions among these compounds was observed.« less

Mechanism of sodium channel block by local anesthetics, antiarrhythmics, and anticonvulsants

PubMed Central

Tikhonov, Denis B.

2017-01-01

Local anesthetics, antiarrhythmics, and anticonvulsants include both charged and electroneutral compounds that block voltage-gated sodium channels. Prior studies have revealed a common drug-binding region within the pore, but details about the binding sites and mechanism of block remain unclear. Here, we use the x-ray structure of a prokaryotic sodium channel, NavMs, to model a eukaryotic channel and dock representative ligands. These include lidocaine, QX-314, cocaine, quinidine, lamotrigine, carbamazepine (CMZ), phenytoin, lacosamide, sipatrigine, and bisphenol A. Preliminary calculations demonstrated that a sodium ion near the selectivity filter attracts electroneutral CMZ but repels cationic lidocaine. Therefore, we further docked electroneutral and cationic drugs with and without a sodium ion, respectively. In our models, all the drugs interact with a phenylalanine in helix IVS6. Electroneutral drugs trap a sodium ion in the proximity of the selectivity filter, and this same site attracts the charged group of cationic ligands. At this position, even small drugs can block the permeation pathway by an electrostatic or steric mechanism. Our study proposes a common pharmacophore for these diverse drugs. It includes a cationic moiety and an aromatic moiety, which are usually linked by four bonds. PMID:28258204

Mechanism of sodium channel block by local anesthetics, antiarrhythmics, and anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Tikhonov, Denis B; Zhorov, Boris S

2017-04-03

Local anesthetics, antiarrhythmics, and anticonvulsants include both charged and electroneutral compounds that block voltage-gated sodium channels. Prior studies have revealed a common drug-binding region within the pore, but details about the binding sites and mechanism of block remain unclear. Here, we use the x-ray structure of a prokaryotic sodium channel, NavMs, to model a eukaryotic channel and dock representative ligands. These include lidocaine, QX-314, cocaine, quinidine, lamotrigine, carbamazepine (CMZ), phenytoin, lacosamide, sipatrigine, and bisphenol A. Preliminary calculations demonstrated that a sodium ion near the selectivity filter attracts electroneutral CMZ but repels cationic lidocaine. Therefore, we further docked electroneutral and cationic drugs with and without a sodium ion, respectively. In our models, all the drugs interact with a phenylalanine in helix IVS6. Electroneutral drugs trap a sodium ion in the proximity of the selectivity filter, and this same site attracts the charged group of cationic ligands. At this position, even small drugs can block the permeation pathway by an electrostatic or steric mechanism. Our study proposes a common pharmacophore for these diverse drugs. It includes a cationic moiety and an aromatic moiety, which are usually linked by four bonds. © 2017 Tikhonov and Zhorov.

Design, synthesis and anticonvulsant properties of new N-Mannich bases derived from 3-phenylpyrrolidine-2,5-diones.

PubMed

Kamiński, Krzysztof; Obniska, Jolanta; Chlebek, Iwona; Wiklik, Beata; Rzepka, Sabina

2013-11-01

The synthesis and anticonvulsant properties of new N-Mannich bases of 3-phenyl- (9a-d), 3-(2-chlorophenyl)- (10a-d), 3-(3-chlorophenyl)- (11a-d) and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-diones (12a-d) were described. The key synthetic strategies involve the formation of 3-substituted pyrrolidine-2,5-diones (5-8), and then aminoalkylation reaction (Mannich-type) with formaldehyde and corresponding secondary amines, which let to obtain the final compounds 9a-d, 10a-d, 11a-d and 12a-d in good yields. Initial anticonvulsant screening was performed in mice (ip) using the maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) seizures tests. The most effective compounds in mice were tested after oral administration in rats. The acute neurological toxicity was determined applying the minimal motor impairment rotarod test. The in vivo results revealed that numerous compounds were effective especially in the MES test (model of human tonic-clonic seizures). The most active in the MES seizures in rats was 1-[(4-benzyl-1-piperidyl)methyl]-3-(2-chlorophenyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (10c) which showed ED50 value of 37.64mg/kg. It should be stressed that this molecule along with 9a, 9d and 10d showed protection in the psychomotor seizure test (6-Hz), which is known as an animal model of therapy-resistant epilepsy. Furthermore compounds 9a, 9d and 10d were also tested in the pilocarpine-induced status prevention (PISP) test to assess their potential effectiveness in status epilepticus. For the most promising molecule 9d an influence on human CYP3A4 isoform of P-450 cytochrome was studied in vitro. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A rat model of nerve agent exposure applicable to the pediatric population: The anticonvulsant efficacies of atropine and GluK1 antagonists

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, Steven L., E-mail: stevenmiller17@gmail.com; Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814; Aroniadou-Anderjaska, Vassiliki, E-mail: vanderjaska@usuhs.edu

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) after nerve agent exposure induces status epilepticus (SE), which causes brain damage or death. The development of countermeasures appropriate for the pediatric population requires testing of anticonvulsant treatments in immature animals. In the present study, exposure of 21-day-old (P21) rats to different doses of soman, followed by probit analysis, produced an LD{sub 50} of 62 μg/kg. The onset of behaviorally-observed SE was accompanied by a dramatic decrease in brain AChE activity; rats who did not develop SE had significantly less reduction of AChE activity in the basolateral amygdala than rats who developed SE. Atropine sulfate (ATS)more » at 2 mg/kg, administered 20 min after soman exposure (1.2 × LD{sub 50}), terminated seizures. ATS at 0.5 mg/kg, given along with an oxime within 1 min after exposure, allowed testing of anticonvulsants at delayed time-points. The AMPA/GluK1 receptor antagonist LY293558, or the specific GluK1 antagonist UBP302, administered 1 h post-exposure, terminated SE. There were no degenerating neurons in soman-exposed P21 rats, but both the amygdala and the hippocampus were smaller than in control rats at 30 and 90 days post-exposure; this pathology was not present in rats treated with LY293558. Behavioral deficits present at 30 days post-exposure, were also prevented by LY293558 treatment. Thus, in immature animals, a single injection of atropine is sufficient to halt nerve agent-induced seizures, if administered timely. Testing anticonvulsants at delayed time-points requires early administration of ATS at a low dose, sufficient to counteract only peripheral toxicity. LY293558 administered 1 h post-exposure, prevents brain pathology and behavioral deficits. - Highlights: • The LD{sub 50} of soman was determined in postnatal-day-21 rats. • Rats with no seizures after 1.2XLD{sub 50} soman had less reduction of AChE in the amygdala. • Atropine sulfate (ATS) at 2 mg/kg, given at 20 min

Anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging actions of two herbs, Uncaria rhynchophylla (MIQ) Jack and Gastrodia elata Bl., in kainic acid-treated rats.

PubMed

Hsieh, C L; Tang, N Y; Chiang, S Y; Hsieh, C T; Lin, J G

1999-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jack (UR) and Gastrodia elata BI. (GE) are traditional Chinese herbs that are usually used in combination to treat convulsive disorders, such as epilepsy, in China. The aim of this study was to compare the anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities of UR alone and UR in combination with GE in rats. For the in vitro studies, brain tissues from 6 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with 120 microg/ml kainic acid (KA), with or without varied concentrations of UR or UR plus GE. For the in vivo studies, male SD rats (6 per group) received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of KA 12 mg/kg to induce epileptic seizures and generation of free radicals, with or without oral administration of UR 1 g/kg alone or UR 1 g/kg plus GE 1 g/kg. Epileptic seizures were verified by behavioral observations, and electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) recordings. These results showed that UR alone decreased KA-induced lipid peroxide levels in vitro, whereas UR plus GE did not produce a greater effect than UR alone. UR significantly reduced counts of wet dog shakes (WDS), paw tremor (PT) and facial myoclonia (FM) in KA-treated rats and significantly delayed the onset time of WDS, from 27 min in the control group to 40 min in the UR group. UR plus GE did not inhibit seizures more effectively than UR alone, but did further prolong the onset time of WDS to 63 min (P < 0.05 vs. UR alone). UR alone reduced the levels of free radicals in vivo, as measured by lipid peroxidation in the brain and luminol-chemiluminescence (CL) counts and lucigenin-CL counts in the peripheral whole blood, but the combination of GE and UR did not reduce free radical levels more markedly than UR alone. In conclusion, our results indicate that UR has anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities, and UR combined with GE exhibit greater inhibition on the onset time of WDS than UR alone. These findings suggest that the anticonvulsive effects of UR and

Search for new potential anticonvulsants with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties among derivatives of 4,4-diphenylpyrrolidin-2-one.

PubMed

Malawska, Katarzyna; Rak, Aleksandra; Gryzło, Beata; Sałat, Kinga; Michałowska, Małgorzata; Żmudzka, Elżbieta; Lodarski, Krzysztof; Malawska, Barbara; Kulig, Katarzyna

2017-02-01

The aim of this study was to synthesize a series of new N-Mannich bases derived from 4,4-diphenylpyrrolidin-2-one having differently substituted 4-phenylpiperazines as potential anticonvulsant agents with additional (beneficial) pharmacological properties. The target compounds 8-12 were prepared in one step from the 4-substituted phenylpiperazines, paraformaldehyde, and synthesized 4,4-diphenylpyrrolodin-2-one (7) by a Mannich-type reaction. The obtained compounds were assessed and tested for their anticonvulsant activity in two screening mouse models of seizures, i.e., the maximal electroshock (MES) test and in the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) test. The effect of these compounds on animals' motor coordination was measured in the rotarod test. A selected 4,4-diphenyl-1-((4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)pyrrolidin-2-one (8) was evaluated in vivo for its anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like properties. Its impact on animals' locomotor activity was also evaluated. Compound 8 showed protection (25%) in the MES and in the scPTZ tests at the dose of 100mg/kg and was not neurotoxic. In the four-plate test, compound 8 at the dose of 30mg/kg showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) anxiolytic-like activity. In the forced swim test, it reduced the immobility time by 24.3% (significant at p<0.05), which indicates its potential antidepressant-like properties. In the locomotor activity test, compound 8 significantly reduced animals' locomotor activity by 79.9%. The results obtained make a new derivative of 4,4-diphenyl-1-((4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)pyrrolidin-2-one (8) a promising lead structure for further development. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o.

Synthesis, molecular modelling, and preliminary anticonvulsant activity evaluation of novel naphthalen-2-yl acetate and 1,6-dithia-4,9-diazaspiro [4.4] nonane-3,8-dione derivatives.

PubMed

Ghareb, Nagat; Abdel Daim, Mohamed M; El-Sayed, Norhan M; Elgawish, Mohamed Saleh

2017-04-01

The synthesis, pharmacological evaluation and molecular modelling study of novel naphthalen-2-yl acetate and 1,6-dithia-4,9-diazaspiro [4.4]nonane-3,8-dione derivatives as potential anticonvulsant agents are described. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by both analytical and spectral data. Alkylation of 1H-imidazole or substituted piperazine with 1-(2-naphthyl)-2-bromoethanone (2) gave naphthalen-2-yl 2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) acetate (3) and naphthalen-2-yl 2-(substituted piperazin-1-yl) acetate (4-8). Moreover, condensation of naphthalen-2-yl 2-bromoacetate or 2-bromo-1-(naphthalen-2-yl) ethanone with hydrazine hydrate and acetylacetone resulted in the formation of the cyclic pyrazole products 9 and 13. Sonication of naphthalen-2-yl acetate (1) with 2-chloropyridine, 2-chloropyrimidine and 2-(chloromethyl) oxirane gave naphthalen-2-yl 2-(pyridin-2-yl) acetate (10), naphthalen-2-yl 2-(pyrimidin-2-yl) acetate (11) and naphthalen-2-yl-3-(oxiran-2-yl) propanoate (12) respectively. Cyclocondensation reaction of 2-iminothiazolidin-4-one (14) with thioglycolic acid, thiolactic acid and thiomalic acid gave 1,6-dithia-4,9-diazaspiro [4.4]nonane-3,8-dione derivatives (15-17). The compounds were testedin vivofor the anticonvulsant activity by delaying strychnine-induced seizures. The diazaspirononane (17) and 1-(2-naphthyl)-2-bromoethanone (2) showed a high significant delay in the onset of convulsion and prolongation of survival time compared to phenobarbital. The molecular modelling study of anticonvulsant activity of synthesized compounds showed a CNS depressant activity via modulation of benzodiazepine allosteric site in GABA-A receptors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of new 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives and their in vivo anticonvulsant activity.

PubMed

Harish, K P; Mohana, K N; Mallesha, L

2014-01-01

A series of 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of 3-(2-cyanopropan-2-yl)-N-(5-(piperazine-1-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)benzamide with various sulfonyl chlorides and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity in MES test. Rotorod method was employed to determine the neurotoxicity. The purity of the compounds is confirmed on the basis of their elemental analysis. The structures of all the new compounds are established on the basis of 1H NMR and mass spectral data. Out of fifteen compounds, three were found to be potent anticolvunstants. The same compounds showed no neurotoxicity at the maximum dose administered (100 mg/kg).

Antipyretic and anticonvulsant activity of n-hexane fraction of Viola betonicifolia.

PubMed

Muhammad, Naveed; Saeed, Muhammad; Khan, Haroon; Raziq, Naila; Halimi, Syed Muhammad Ashhad; Abass, Muzaffer

2013-04-01

To investigate the antipyretic and anticonvulsant activities of n-hexane fraction of Viola betonicifolia (V. betonicifolia). The antipyretic effect was scrutinized using brewer's yeast induced pyrexia and anticonvlsion effect was tested using pentylenetetrazol and strychnine induced convulsion in mice. N-hexane fraction of V. betonicifolia demonstrated highly significant antipyretic activity during various assessment times (1-5 h) when challenged in yeast induced pyrexia test. The effect was in a dose dependent manner with maximum attenuation (82.50%) observed at 300 mg/kg i.p. When tested in pentylenetetrazol induced convulsion test, the 1st stage (Ear and facial twitching) and 2nd stage (Convulsive wave through the body) was 100% protected during 24 h at all the test doses (300, 400 and 500 mg/kg i.p.), while the latency time of remaining stages was significantly increased. The maximum effect was observed by n-hexane fraction of V. betonicifolia at 400 and 500 mg/kg i.p., as the latency time for generalized clonic-tonic seizure (5th stage) was increased up to 25.34 min. However, n-hexane fraction of V. betonicifolia had no protection in strychnine induced convulsion test. In conclusion, phytopharmacological studies provide scientific foundation to the folk uses of the plant in the treatment of pyrexia and neurological disorders.

Assessment of the anticonvulsant potency of various benzylamide derivatives in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure threshold model.

PubMed

Świąder, Mariusz J; Paruszewski, Ryszard; Łuszczki, Jarogniew J

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to assess the anticonvulsant potency of 6 various benzylamide derivatives [i.e., nicotinic acid benzylamide (Nic-BZA), picolinic acid 2-fluoro-benzylamide (2F-Pic-BZA), picolinic acid benzylamide (Pic-BZA), (RS)-methyl-alanine-benzylamide (Me-Ala-BZA), isonicotinic acid benzylamide (Iso-Nic-BZA), and (R)-N-methyl-proline-benzylamide (Me-Pro-BZA)] in the threshold for maximal electroshock (MEST)-induced seizures in mice. Electroconvulsions (seizure activity) were produced in mice by means of a current (sine-wave, 50Hz, 500V, strength from 4 to 18mA, ear-clip electrodes, 0.2-s stimulus duration, tonic hindlimb extension taken as the endpoint). Nic-BZA, 2F-Pic-BZA, Pic-BZA, Me-Ala-BZA, Iso-Nic-BZA, and Me-Pro-BZA administered systemically (ip) in a dose-dependent manner increase the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions in mice. Linear regression analysis of Nic-BZA, 2F-Pic-BZA, Pic-BZA, MeAla-BZA, IsoNic-BZA, and Me-Pro-BZA doses and their corresponding threshold increases allowed determining threshold increasing doses by 20% (TID20 values) that elevate the threshold in drug-treated animals over the threshold in control animals. The experimentally derived TID20 values in the MEST test for Nic-BZA, 2F-Pic-BZA, Pic-BZA, Me-Ala-BZA, Iso-Nic-BZA, and Me-Pro-BZA were 7.45mg/kg, 7.72mg/kg, 8.74mg/kg, 15.11mg/kg, 21.95mg/kg and 28.06mg/kg, respectively. The studied benzylamide derivatives can be arranged with respect to their anticonvulsant potency in the MEST test as follows: Nic-BZA>2F-Pic-BZA>Pic-BZA>Me-Ala-BZA>Iso-Nic-BZA>Me-Pro-BZA. Copyright © 2015 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

Isobolographic analysis of the mechanisms of action of anticonvulsants from a combination effect.

PubMed

Matsumura, Nobuko; Nakaki, Toshio

2014-10-15

The nature of the pharmacodynamic interactions of drugs is influenced by the drugs׳ mechanisms of action. It has been hypothesized that drugs with different mechanisms are likely to interact synergistically, whereas those with similar mechanisms seem to produce additive interactions. In this review, we describe an extensive investigation of the published literature on drug combinations of anticonvulsants, the nature of the interaction of which has been evaluated by type I and II isobolographic analyses and the subthreshold method. The molecular targets of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) include Na(+) and Ca(2+) channels, GABA type-A receptor, and glutamate receptors such as NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptors. The results of this review indicate that the nature of interactions evaluated by type I isobolographic analyses but not by the two other methods seems to be consistent with the above hypothesis. Type I isobolographic analyses may be used not only for evaluating drug combinations but also for predicting the targets of new drugs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Response Rates to Anticonvulsant Trials in Patients with Triphasic-Wave EEG Patterns of Uncertain Significance

PubMed Central

O’Rourke, Deirdre; Chen, Patrick M.; Gaspard, Nicolas; Foreman, Brandon; McClain, Lauren; Karakis, Ioannis; Mahulikar, Advait

2016-01-01

Background Generalized triphasic waves (TPWs) occur in both metabolic encephalopathies and non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). Empiric trials of benzodiazepines (BZDs) or non-sedating AED (NSAEDs) are commonly used to differentiate the two, but the utility of such trials is debated. The goal of this study was to assess response rates of such trials and investigate whether metabolic profile differences affect the likelihood of a response. Methods Three institutions within the Critical Care EEG Monitoring Research Consortium retrospectively identified patients with unexplained encephalopathy and TPWs who had undergone a trial of BZD and/or NSAEDs to differentiate between ictal and non-ictal patterns. We assessed responder rates and compared metabolic profiles of responders and non-responders. Response was defined as resolution of the EEG pattern and either unequivocal improvement in encephalopathy or appearance of previously absent normal EEG patterns, and further categorized as immediate (within <2 h of trial initiation) or delayed (>2 h from trial initiation). Results We identified 64 patients with TPWs who had an empiric trial of BZD and/or NSAED. Most patients (71.9 %) were admitted with metabolic derangements and/or infection. Positive clinical responses occurred in 10/53 (18.9 %) treated with BZDs. Responses to NSAEDs occurred in 19/45 (42.2 %), being immediate in 6.7 %, delayed but definite in 20.0 %, and delayed but equivocal in 15.6 %. Overall, 22/64 (34.4 %) showed a definite response to either BZDs or NSAEDs, and 7/64 (10.9 %) showed a possible response. Metabolic differences of responders versus non-responders were statistically insignificant, except that the 48-h low value of albumin in the BZD responder group was lower than in the non-responder group. Conclusions Similar metabolic profiles in patients with encephalopathy and TPWs between responders and non-responders to anticonvulsants suggest that predicting responders a priori is difficult. The

The effects of anticonvulsants on 4-aminopyridine-induced bursting: in vitro studies on rat peripheral nerve and dorsal roots.

PubMed Central

Lees, G.

1996-01-01

1. Aminopyridines have been used as beneficial symptomatic treatments in a variety of neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis but have been associated with considerable toxicity in the form of abdominal pain, paraesthesias and (rarely) convulsions. 2. Extracellular and intracellular recording was used to characterize action potentials in rat sciatic nerves and dorsal roots and the effects of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). 3. In sciatic nerve trunks, 1 mM 4-AP produced pronounced after potentials at room temperature secondary to regenerative firing in affected axons (5-10 spikes per stimulus). At physiological temperatures, after potentials (2-3 spikes) were greatly attenuated in peripheral axons. 4. 4-AP evoked more pronounced and prolonged after discharges in isolated dorsal roots at 37 degrees C (3-5.5 mV and 80-100 ms succeeded by a smaller inhibitory/depolarizing voltage shift) which were used to assess the effects of anticonvulsants. 5. Phenytoin, carbamazepine and lamotrigine dose-dependently reduced the area of 4-AP-induced after potentials at 100 and 320 microM but the amplitude of compound action potentials (evoked at 0.5 Hz) was depressed in parallel. 6. The tonic block of sensory action potentials by all three drugs (at 320 microM) was enhanced by high frequency stimulation (5-500 Hz). 7. The lack of selectivity of these frequency-dependent Na+ channel blockers for burst firing compared to low-frequency spikes, is discussed in contrast to their effects on 4-AP-induced seizures and paroxysmal activity in CNS tissue (which is associated with large and sustained depolarizing plateau potentials). 8. In conclusion, these in vitro results confirm the marked sensitivity of sensory axons to 4-AP (the presumptive basis for paraesthesias). Burst firing was not preferentially impaired at relatively high concentrations suggesting that anticonvulsants will not overcome the toxic peripheral actions of 4-AP in neurological patients. PMID:8821551

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of some substituted 1,2,4-thiadiazoles.

PubMed

Gupta, Arun; Mishra, Pradeep; Pandeya, S N; Kashaw, Sushil K; Kashaw, Varsha; Stables, James P

2009-03-01

A series of new substituted 1,2,4-thiadiazoles were synthesized by appropriate route and screened for anticonvulsant, neurotoxic and sedative-hypnotic activity. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR spectroscopy, (13)C NMR and elemental (nitrogen and sulphur) analysis. After i.p. injection of the compounds to mice or rate at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, body weights were examined in the maximal electroshock-induced seizures (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ)-induced seizure models after 0.5 and 4 h. Rotorod method and phenobarbitone-induced hypnosis potentiation study were employed to examine neurotoxicity and sedative-hypnotic activity, respectively. All the compounds except 4g showed protection against MES screen after 0.5 h. Compounds 3a-c, 4a-c were active at 100 mg/kg dose i.p., whereas remaining compounds showed activity at 300 mg/kg. All 14 compounds except 3g showed neurotoxicity at 100 and 300 mg/kg after 0.5 h. Compounds 3b and 4b showed NT after 4 h. Two compounds 3b and 4g showed significant (p<0.05) percentage increase in sleeping time i.e. 67% and 59%, respectively. It may be concluded that the synthesized compounds were potent against MES-induced seizures than ScPTZ induced and showed low potency as sedative-hypnotic agent which is advantageous.

Antipyretic and anticonvulsant activity of n-hexane fraction of Viola betonicifolia

PubMed Central

Muhammad, Naveed; Saeed, Muhammad; Khan, Haroon; Raziq, Naila; Halimi, Syed Muhammad Ashhad

2013-01-01

Objective To investigate the antipyretic and anticonvulsant activities of n-hexane fraction of Viola betonicifolia (V. betonicifolia). Methods The antipyretic effect was scrutinized using brewer's yeast induced pyrexia and anticonvlsion effect was tested using pentylenetetrazol and strychnine induced convulsion in mice. Results N-hexane fraction of V. betonicifolia demonstrated highly significant antipyretic activity during various assessment times (1-5 h) when challenged in yeast induced pyrexia test. The effect was in a dose dependent manner with maximum attenuation (82.50%) observed at 300 mg/kg i.p. When tested in pentylenetetrazol induced convulsion test, the 1st stage (Ear and facial twitching) and 2nd stage (Convulsive wave through the body) was 100% protected during 24 h at all the test doses (300, 400 and 500 mg/kg i.p.), while the latency time of remaining stages was significantly increased. The maximum effect was observed by n-hexane fraction of V. betonicifolia at 400 and 500 mg/kg i.p., as the latency time for generalized clonic-tonic seizure (5th stage) was increased up to 25.34 min. However, n-hexane fraction of V. betonicifolia had no protection in strychnine induced convulsion test. Conclusions In conclusion, phytopharmacological studies provide scientific foundation to the folk uses of the plant in the treatment of pyrexia and neurological disorders. PMID:23620851

Structural and vibrational properties of oxcarbazepine, an anticonvulsant substance by using DFT and SCRF calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladetto, María F.; Márquez, María B.; Brandán, Silvia A.

2014-10-01

In this work, we have presented a structural and vibrational study on the properties in gas and aqueous solution phases of oxcarbazepine, a polymorphic anticonvulsant substance, combining the available IR and Raman spectra with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Two stable C1 and C2 forms for the title molecule were theoretically determined by using the hybrid B3LYP/6-31G* method. The integral equation formalism variant polarised continuum model (IEFPCM) was employed to study the solvent effects by means of the self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) method. The vibrational spectra for the two forms of oxcarbazepine were completely assigned together with two dimeric species also observed in the solid phase. The presences of the two C1 and C2 forms together with the two dimeric species are supported by the IR and Raman bands between 1424 and 125 cm-1. Here, the properties for both forms of oxcarbazepine are compared and discussed.

Chimeric Derivatives of Functionalized Amino Acids and α-Aminoamides: Compounds with Anticonvulsant Activity in Seizure Models and Inhibitory Actions on Central, Peripheral, and Cardiac Isoforms of Voltage-gated Sodium Channels

PubMed Central

Torregrosa, Robert; Yang, Xiao-Fang; Dustrude, Erik T.; Cummins, Theodore R.

2015-01-01

Six novel 3″-substituted (R)-N-(phenoxybenzyl) 2-N-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamides were prepared and then assessed using whole-cell, patch-clamp electrophysiology for their anticonvulsant activities in animal seizure models and for their sodium channel activities. We found compounds with various substituents at the terminal aromatic ring that had excellent anticonvulsant activity. Of these compounds, (R)-N-4′-((3″-chloro)phenoxy)benzyl 2-N-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamide ((R)-5) and (R)-N-4′-((3″-trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy)benzyl 2-N-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamide ((R)-9) exhibited high protective indices (PI = TD50/ED50) comparable with many antiseizure drugs when tested in the maximal electroshock seizure test to mice (intraperitoneally) and rats (intraperitoneally, orally). Most compounds potently transitioned sodium channels to the slow-inactivated state when evaluated in rat embryonic cortical neurons. Treating HEK293 recombinant cells that expressed hNav1.1, rNav1.3, hNav1.5, or hNav1.7 with (R)-9 recapitulated the high levels of sodium channel slow inactivation. PMID:25922183

Agmatine enhances the anticonvulsant action of phenobarbital and valproate in the mouse maximal electroshock seizure model.

PubMed

Luszczki, Jarogniew J; Czernecki, Remigiusz; Wojtal, Katarzyna; Borowicz, Kinga K; Czuczwar, Stanislaw J

2008-11-01

Accumulating evidence indicates that agmatine (AGM--an endogenous neuromodulator/neurotransmitter in the brain) exerts the anticonvulsant action in various in vivo experiments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of AGM on the protective action of numerous conventional and newer antiepileptic drugs [carbamazepine (CBZ), lamotrigine (LTG), oxcarbazepine (OXC), phenobarbital (PB), phenytoin (PHT), topiramate (TPM) and valproate (VPA)] in the mouse maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model. Results indicate that AGM (up to 100 mg/kg, i.p., 45 min before the test) neither altered the threshold for electroconvulsions nor protected the animals against MES-induced seizures in mice. Moreover, AGM (100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant effects of PB and VPA in the MES test by reducing their ED50 values from 22.54 to 16.82 mg/kg (P < 0.01) for PB, and from 256.1 to 210.6 mg/kg (P < 0.05) for VPA, respectively. In contrast, AGM at 100 mg/kg (i.p.) had no significant effect on the antielectroshock action of the remaining drugs tested (CBZ, LTG, OXC, PHT, and TPM) in mice. Estimation of total brain PB and VPA concentrations revealed that the observed interactions between AGM and PB or VPA in the MES test were pharmacodynamic in nature because neither total brain PB, nor total brain VPA concentrations were altered after i.p. administration of AGM at 100 mg/kg. Moreover, none of the examined combinations of AGM (100 mg/kg) with CBZ, LTG, OXC, PB, PHT, TPM, and VPA (at their ED50 values from the MES test) affected motor coordination in the chimney test, long-term memory in the passive avoidance task, and muscular strength in the grip-strength test in mice, indicating no acute adverse effects in animals. In conclusion, one can ascertain that the selective potentiation of the antielectroshock action of PB and VPA by AGM, lack of any pharmacokinetic interactions between drugs and no acute adverse effects, make the combinations of AGM with

Activators of potassium M currents have anticonvulsant actions in two rat models of encephalitis

PubMed Central

Solbrig, Marylou V.; Adrian, Russell; Wechsler, Steven L.; Koob, George F.

2010-01-01

Opioid systems in hippocampus regulate excitability and kappa opioids have a role in anticonvulsant protection, but their mechanisms of action are incompletely understood. We examined the ability of opioid and nonopioid agents with overlapping ionic mechanisms and actions similar to kappa opioid agonists, to block seizures in rat models of encephalitis due to Borna Disease virus and Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1. Naltrindole, a delta antagonist and thus a kappa opioid sparing agent, (10 mg/kg s.c.) blocked spontaneous and naloxone (opioid antagonist)-induced seizures in the models, but produced somatic signs similar to opioid withdrawal. Given that delta antagonists as well as kappa opioid agonists in hippocampus enhance potassium M currents (IM), we tested the effect of the IM augmenter flupirtine. Flupirtine (20 mg/kg i.p.) prevented seizures in Borna and herpes infected rats, without signs of withdrawal, hypotonia or sedation. The results support the efficacy of opioid and nonopioid drugs in modulating naloxone-induced seizures in critical illness due to viral encephalitis and by analogy, opioid withdrawal seizures. PMID:17126318

Substituted 2-benzothiazolamines as sodium flux inhibitors: quantitative structure-activity relationships and anticonvulsant activity.

PubMed

Hays, S J; Rice, M J; Ortwine, D F; Johnson, G; Schwarz, R D; Boyd, D K; Copeland, L F; Vartanian, M G; Boxer, P A

1994-10-01

Thirty-two aryl-substituted 2-benzothiazolamines have been tested for their ability to modulate sodium flux in rat cortical slices. A QSAR analysis, applied to these derivatives, showed a trend toward increasing potency as sodium flux inhibitors with increasing lipophilicity, decreasing size, and increasing electron withdrawal of the benzo ring substituents. Additionally, 4- or 5-substitution of the benzo ring was found to decrease potency. The combination of increased lipophilicity, small size, and electron withdrawal severely limited which groups were tolerated on the benzo ring, thus suggesting that the optimal substitution patterns have been prepared within this series. Nine of these compounds were potent inhibitors of veratridine-induced sodium flux (NaFl). These nine compounds also proved to be anticonvulsant in the maximal electroshock (MES) assay. Fourteen additional 2-benzothiazolamines demonstrated activity in the MES screen, yet exhibited no activity in the NaFl assay. These derivatives may be interacting at the sodium channel in a manner not discernible by the flux paradigm, or they may be acting by an alternative mechanism in vivo.

Synthesis and pharmacological investigation of 2-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3,5-disubstituted thiazolidin-4-ones as anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Senthilraja, Manavalan; Alagarsamy, Veerachamy

2012-10-01

A new series of 2-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-substituted thiazolidin-4-one-5-yl-acetyl acetamides/benzamides were synthesized by the nucleophilic substitution of 3-substituted-2-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one-5-yl-acetylchloride with acetamide and benzamide. The starting material 3-substituted-2-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one-5-yl-acetylchloride was synthesized from 3-substituted-2-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one-5-yl-acetic acid, which in turn was prepared by one-pot reaction of amino component, p-dimethylamino benzaldehyde and mercapto succinic acid. The title compounds were investigated for their anticonvulsant activities; among the test compounds, compound 2-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-phenylamino-thiazolidine-4-one-5-yl-acetylbenzamide (14) emerged as the most active compound of the series and as moderately more potent than the reference standard diazepam. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

An interactive human carbonic anhydrase-II (hCA-II) receptor--pharmacophore molecular model & anti-convulsant activity of the designed and synthesized 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol conjugated imine derivatives.

PubMed

Yusuf, Mohammad; Khan, Riaz A; Khan, Maria; Ahmed, Bahar

2013-05-01

New imines, derived from aromatic aldehyde, chalcones and 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol exhibited promising anti-convulsant activity which is explained through chemo-biological interactions at receptor site producing the inhibition of human Carbonic Anhydrase-II enzyme (hCA-II) through the proposed pharmacophore model at molecular levels as basis for pharmacological activity. The compounds 5-{1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-[4-(methoxy-phenyl)-prop-2-en-1-ylidene]amino}-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol (2b), 5-{[1-(4-chloro-phenyl)]-3-[4-(dimethyl-amino-phenyl)-prop-2-en-1-ylidene]amino}-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol (2c) and 5-{[1-(4-chloro-phenyl)]-3-[(4-amino-phenyl)-prop-2-en-1-ylidene]amino}-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol (2f) showed 100% activity in comparison with standard Acetazolamide, a known anti-convulsant drug. The compounds 2c, 2f also passed the Rotarod and Ethanol Potentiation tests which further confirmed them to be safe in motor coordination activity and safe from generating neurological toxicity. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Practical Synthesis, Antidepressant, and Anticonvulsant Activity of 3-Phenyliminoindolin-2-one Derivatives.

PubMed

Ma, Jian-Yin; Quan, Ying-Chun; Jin, Hong-Guo; Zhen, Xing-Hua; Zhang, Xue-Wu; Guan, Li-Ping

2016-03-01

Herein, a series of 3-phenyliminoindolin-2-one derivatives were designed, synthesized, and screened for their antidepressant and anticonvulsant activities. The IR spectra of the compounds afforded NH stretching (3340-3346 cm(-1)) bands and C=O stretching (1731-1746 cm(-1)). In the (1)H-NMR spectra of the compounds, N-H protons of indoline ring were observed at 10.65-10.89 ppm generally as broad bands, and (13)C-NMR spectra of the compounds C=O were seen at 161.72-169.27 ppm. Interestingly, compounds 3o, 3p and 3r significantly shortened immobility time in the The forced swimming test (FST) and The tail suspension test (TST) at 50 mg/kg dose levels. In addition, compound 3r exhibited higher levels of efficacy than the reference standard fluoxetine but had no effect on locomotor activity in the open-field test. Compound 3r significantly increased serotonin and norepinephrine and the metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in mouse brain, suggesting that the effects of compound 3r may be mediated through these neurotransmitters. In the seizure screen, 15 compounds showed some degree against PTZ-induced seizure at a dose of 100 mg/kg, and the tested compounds did not show any neurotoxicity at a dose of 300 mg/kg in the rotarod test. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Participation of mitochondrial diazepam binding inhibitor receptors in the anticonflict, antineophobic and anticonvulsant action of 2-aryl-3-indoleacetamide and imidazopyridine derivatives.

PubMed

Auta, J; Romeo, E; Kozikowski, A; Ma, D; Costa, E; Guidotti, A

1993-05-01

The 2-hexyl-indoleacetamide derivative, FGIN-1-27 [N,N-di-n-hexyl-2- (4-fluorophenyl)indole-3-acetamide], and the imidazopyridine derivative, alpidem, both bind with high affinity to glial mitochondrial diazepam binding inhibitor receptors (MDR) and increase mitochondrial steroidogenesis. Although FGIN-1-27 is selective for the MDR, alpidem also binds to the allosteric modulatory site of the gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptor where the benzodiazepines bind. FGIN-1-27 and alpidem, like the neurosteroid 3 alpha,21-dehydroxy-5 alpha-pregnane-20-one (THDOC), clonazepam and zolpidem (the direct allosteric modulators of gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptors) delay the onset of isoniazid and metrazol-induced convulsions. The anti-isoniazid convulsant action of FGIN-1-27 and alpidem, but not that of THDOC, is blocked by PK 11195. In contrast, flumazenil blocked completely the anticonvulsant action of clonazepam and zolpidem and partially blocked that of alpidem, but it did not affect the anticonvulsant action of THDOC and FGIN-1-27. Alpidem, like clonazepam, zolpidem and diazepam, but not THDOC or FGIN-1-27, delay the onset of bicuculline-induced convulsions. In two animal models of anxiety, the neophobic behavior in the elevated plus maze test and the conflict-punishment behavior in the Vogel conflict test, THDOC and FGIN-1-27 elicited anxiolytic-like effects in a manner that is flumazenil insensitive, whereas alpidem elicited a similar anxiolytic effect, but is partially blocked by flumazenil. Whereas PK 11195 blocked the effect of FGIN-1-27 and partially blocked alpidem, it did not affect THDOC in both animal models of anxiety.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization and application of restricted access carbon nanotubes in online extraction of anticonvulsant drugs from plasma samples followed by liquid chromatography analysis.

PubMed

Dos Santos, Rodrigo Campos; Kakazu, Adriana Kaori; Santos, Mariane Gonçalves; Belinelli Silva, Fábio Antônio; Figueiredo, Eduardo Costa

2017-06-01

Anticonvulsant drugs are often used in the treatment of epilepsy. However, their therapeutic monitoring is often necessary in order to obtain an appropriate dose adjustment, due to the proximity between their therapeutic and toxic ranges. The aim of this study was to carry out the synthesis, characterization and use of restricted access carbon nanotubes (RACNTs) in an online method for the analyses of phenobarbital and carbamazepine and primidone from untreated human blood plasma by column switching liquid chromatography. Therefore, the synthesis of RACNTs was carried out through coating commercial Carbon nanotubes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to subsequently use them as adsorbents in a column switching system operating in the backflush mode. This material was evaluated through the construction of the kinetic and isotherm curves. The experimental data for the interaction of primidone with RACNTs were adequately adjusted to the chemisorption and Sips models for the kinetic and adsorption studies, respectively. The analytical curves ranged from 2.0 to 40.0mgL -1 , with correlation coefficients higher than 0.99, for all the analytes. The LODs of 0.1, 0.1 and 0.01μgmL -1 were defined for PHB, PRM and CBZ, respectively. The relative standard deviation values ranged from 1.0% to 8.4% for the intra assay precision and from 2.7% to 7.6% for inter assay precision. The relative error values ranged from -13.4% to 7.7% for the intra assay accuracy and from -8.6% to 2.5% for the inter assay accuracy. The method was adequately used in the therapeutic monitoring of anticonvulsant drugs in human plasma samples. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prolonged exposure to WIN55,212-2 causes down-regulation of the CB1 receptor and the development of tolerance to its anticonvulsant effects in the hippocampal neuronal culture model of acquired epilepsy

PubMed Central

Blair, Robert E.; Deshpande, Laxmikant S.; Sombati, Sompong; Elphick, Maurice R.; Martin, Billy R.; DeLorenzo, Robert J.

2009-01-01

Summary Cannabinoids have been shown to cause CB1-receptor dependent anticonvulsant activity in both in vivo and in vitro models of status epilepticus (SE) and acquired epilepsy (AE). It has been further demonstrated in these models that the endocannabinoid system functions in a tonic manner to suppress seizure discharges through a CB1-receptor dependent pathway. Although acute cannabinoid treatment has anticonvulsant activity, little is known concerning the effects of prolonged exposure to CB1 agonists and development of tolerance on the epileptic phenotype. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of prolonged exposure to the CB1 agonist WIN55,212-2 on seizure activity in a hippocampal neuronal culture model of low-Mg2+ induced spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges (SREDs). Following low-Mg2+ induced SREDs, cultures were returned to maintenance media containing 10, 100 or 1000 nM WIN55,212-2 from 4 to 24 hours. Whole-cell current-clamp analysis of WIN55,212-2 treated cultures revealed a concentration-dependent increase in SRED frequency. Immunocytochemical staining revealed that WIN55,212-2 treatment induced a concentration-dependent down-regulation of the CB1 receptor in neuronal processes and at both glutamatergic and GABAergic presynaptic terminals. Prolonged exposure to the inactive enantiomer WIN55,212-3 in low-Mg2+ treated cultures had no effect on the frequency of SREDs or CB1 receptor staining. The results from this study further substantiate a role for a tonic CB1 receptor-dependent endocannabinoid regulation of seizure discharge and suggest that prolonged exposure to cannabinoids results in the development of tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of cannabinoids and an exacerbation of seizure activity in the epileptic phenotype. PMID:19540252

Field and laboratory fish tissue accumulation of the anti-convulsant drug carbamazepine.

PubMed

Garcia, Santos N; Foster, Michael; Constantine, Lisa A; Huggett, Duane B

2012-10-01

Understanding the potential for human and veterinary pharmaceuticals to accumulate in the tissues of biota is a topic of increasing importance in the pharmaceutical risk assessment process. However, few data are available in the literature that compare the ability of laboratory bioconcentration studies to predict field tissue concentrations. To begin to address this data gap, bioconcentration factors (BCF) for carbamazepine (CBZ), a human anticonvulsant that modulates Na+ channels, were determined using laboratory experiments with Pimephales notatus and Ictalurus punctatus. These data were compared to field derived bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for Oreochromis niloticus from the Denton, Texas Wastewater Treatment Plant. The 42 d kinetic BCFs (BCFk) for white muscle and liver of P. notatus were 1.9 and 4.6, respectively, while the white muscle, liver, brain, and plasma BCFk's of I. punctatus were 1.8, 1.5, 1.6, and 7.1, respectively. Field derived BAF values (2.5-3.8) for O. niloticus were similar to those derived in laboratory studies. Partitioning values between blood plasma and individual tissues were calculated for I. punctatus and O. niloticus, with the values indicating that tissue levels of carbamazepine are similar or slightly higher than plasma concentrations. Collectively these data suggest that the fish laboratory BCF and field derived BCF/BAF values for carbamazepine are similar and much lower than the European Union regulatory threshold of 2000 for designation of a "B" substance. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Merging the Structural Motifs of Functionalized Amino Acids and α-Aminoamides: Compounds with Significant Anticonvulsant Activities

PubMed Central

Salomé, Christophe; Salomé-Grosjean, Elise; Stables, James P.; Kohn, Harold

2010-01-01

Functional amino acids (FAAs) and α-aminoamides (AAAs) are two classes of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that exhibit pronounced anticonvulsant activities. We combined key structural pharmacophores present in FAAs and AAAs to generate a new series of compounds and document that select compounds exhibit activity superior to either the prototypical FAA (lacosamide) or the prototypical AAA (safinamide) in the maximal electroshock (MES) seizure model in rats. A representative compound, (R)-N-4′-((3″-fluoro)benzyloxy)benzyl 2-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamide ((R)-10), was tested in the MES (mice, ip), MES (rat, po), psychomotor 6 Hz (32 mA) (mice, ip), and hippocampal kindled (rat, ip) seizure tests providing excellent protection with ED50 values of 13, 14, ~10 mg/kg, and 12 mg/kg, respectively. In the rat sciatic nerve ligation model (ip), (R)-10 (12 mg/kg) provided an 11.2-fold attenuation of mechanical allodynia. In the mouse biphasic formalin pain model (ip), (R)-10 (15 mg/kg) reduced pain responses in the acute and the chronic inflammatory phases. PMID:20394379

Merging the structural motifs of functionalized amino acids and alpha-aminoamides: compounds with significant anticonvulsant activities.

PubMed

Salomé, Christophe; Salomé-Grosjean, Elise; Stables, James P; Kohn, Harold

2010-05-13

Functional amino acids (FAAs) and alpha-aminoamides (AAAs) are two classes of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that exhibit pronounced anticonvulsant activities. We combined key structural pharmacophores present in FAAs and AAAs to generate a new series of compounds and document that select compounds exhibit activity superior to either the prototypical FAA (lacosamide) or the prototypical AAA (safinamide) in the maximal electroshock (MES) seizure model in rats. A representative compound, (R)-N-4'-((3''-fluoro)benzyloxy)benzyl 2-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamide ((R)-10), was tested in the MES (mice, ip), MES (rat, po), psychomotor 6 Hz (32 mA) (mice, ip), and hippocampal kindled (rat, ip) seizure tests providing excellent protection with ED(50) values of 13, 14, approximately 10 mg/kg, and 12 mg/kg, respectively. In the rat sciatic nerve ligation model (ip), (R)-10 (12 mg/kg) provided an 11.2-fold attenuation of mechanical allodynia. In the mouse biphasic formalin pain model (ip), (R)-10 (15 mg/kg) reduced pain responses in the acute and the chronic inflammatory phases.

Effects of WIN 55,212-2 mesylate on the anticonvulsant action of lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin and topiramate against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice.

PubMed

Luszczki, Jarogniew J; Wlaz, Aleksandra; Karwan, Slawomir; Florek-Luszczki, Magdalena; Czuczwar, Stanislaw J

2013-11-15

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of WIN 55,212-2 mesylate (WIN - a non-selective cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor agonist) on the protective action of four second-generation antiepileptic drugs (lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin and topiramate) in the mouse maximal electroshock seizure model. Tonic hind limb extension (seizure activity) was evoked in adult male albino Swiss mice by a current (sine-wave, 25 mA, 500 V, 50 Hz, 0.2s stimulus duration) delivered via auricular electrodes. Drug-related adverse effects were ascertained by use of the chimney test (evaluating motor performance), the step-through passive avoidance task (assessing long-term memory) and the grip-strength test (evaluating skeletal muscular strength). Total brain concentrations of antiepileptic drugs were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography to ascertain any pharmacokinetic contribution to the observed antiseizure effect. Results indicate that WIN (5mg/kg, i.p.) significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant action of lamotrigine (P<0.05), pregabalin (P<0.001) and topiramate (P<0.05), but not that of oxcarbazepine in the maximal electroshock-induced tonic seizure test in mice. Furthermore, none of the investigated combinations of WIN with antiepileptic drugs were associated with any concurrent adverse effects with regards to motor performance, long-term memory or muscular strength. Pharmacokinetic characterization revealed that WIN had no impact on total brain concentrations of lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin and topiramate in mice. These preclinical data would suggest that WIN in combination with lamotrigine, pregabalin and topiramate is associated with beneficial anticonvulsant pharmacodynamic interactions in the maximal electroshock-induced tonic seizure test. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Substituted N-(biphenyl-4'-yl)methyl (R)-2-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamides: potent anticonvulsants that affect frequency (use) dependence and slow inactivation of sodium channels.

PubMed

Lee, Hyosung; Park, Ki Duk; Torregrosa, Robert; Yang, Xiao-Fang; Dustrude, Erik T; Wang, Yuying; Wilson, Sarah M; Barbosa, Cindy; Xiao, Yucheng; Cummins, Theodore R; Khanna, Rajesh; Kohn, Harold

2014-07-24

We prepared 13 derivatives of N-(biphenyl-4'-yl)methyl (R)-2-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamide that differed in type and placement of a R-substituent in the terminal aryl unit. We demonstrated that the R-substituent impacted the compound's whole animal and cellular pharmacological activities. In rodents, select compounds exhibited excellent anticonvulsant activities and protective indices (PI=TD50/ED50) that compared favorably with clinical antiseizure drugs. Compounds with a polar, aprotic R-substituent potently promoted Na+ channel slow inactivation and displayed frequency (use) inhibition of Na+ currents at low micromolar concentrations. The possible advantage of affecting these two pathways to decrease neurological hyperexcitability is discussed.

Trends in resource utilization and prescription of anticonvulsants for patients with active epilepsy in Germany from 2003 to 2013 - A ten-year overview.

PubMed

Willems, Laurent M; Richter, Saskia; Watermann, Nina; Bauer, Sebastian; Klein, Karl Martin; Reese, Jens-Peter; Schöffski, Oliver; Hamer, Hajo M; Knake, Susanne; Rosenow, Felix; Strzelczyk, Adam

2018-06-01

This study evaluated trends in resource use and prescription patterns in patients with active epilepsy over a 10-year period at the same outpatient clinic of a German epilepsy center. We analyzed a cross-sectional patient sample of consecutive adults with active epilepsy over a 3-month period in 2013 and compared them with equally acquired data from the years 2003 and 2008. Using validated patient questionnaires, data on socioeconomic status, course of epilepsy, as well as direct and indirect costs were recorded. A total of 198 patients (mean age: 39.6±15.0years, 49.5% male) were enrolled and compared with our previous assessments in 2003 (n=101) and 2008 (n=151). In the 2013 cohort, 75.8% of the patients had focal epilepsy, and the majority were taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) (39.9% monotherapy, 59.1% polytherapy). We calculated epilepsy-specific costs of €3674 per three months per patient. Direct medical costs were mainly due to anticonvulsants (20.9% of total direct costs) and to hospitalization (20.8% of total direct costs). The proportion of enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants and 'old' AEDs decreased between 2003 and 2013. Indirect costs of €1795 in 2013 were mainly due to early retirement (55.0% of total indirect costs), unemployment (26.5%), and days off due to seizures (18.2%). In contrast to our previous findings from 2003 and 2008, our data show a stagnating cost increase with slightly reduced total costs and balanced direct and indirect costs in patients with active epilepsy. These findings are accompanied by an ongoing cost-neutral increase in the prescription of 'newer' and non-enzyme-inducing AEDs. However, the number and distribution of indirect cost components remained unchanged. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anticonvulsants for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and alcohol use disorders.

PubMed

Hammond, Christopher J; Niciu, Mark J; Drew, Shannon; Arias, Albert J

2015-04-01

Alcoholic patients suffer from harmful allostatic neuroplastic changes in the brain causing an acute withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of drinking followed by a protracted abstinence syndrome and an increased risk of relapse to heavy drinking. Benzodiazepines have long been the treatment of choice for detoxifying patients and managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Non-benzodiazepine anticonvulsants (NBACs) are increasingly being used both for alcohol withdrawal management and for ongoing outpatient treatment of alcohol dependence, with the goal of either abstinence or harm reduction. This expert narrative review summarizes the scientific basis and clinical evidence supporting the use of NBACs in treating AWS and for reducing harmful drinking patterns. There is less evidence in support of NBAC therapy for AWS, with few placebo-controlled trials. Carbamazepine and gabapentin appear to be the most promising adjunctive treatments for AWS, and they may be useful as monotherapy in select cases, especially in outpatient settings and for the treatment of mild-to-moderate low-risk patients with the AWS. The body of evidence supporting the use of the NBACs for reducing harmful drinking in the outpatient setting is stronger. Topiramate appears to have a robust effect on reducing harmful drinking in alcoholics. Gabapentin is a potentially efficacious treatment for reducing the risk of relapse to harmful drinking patterns in outpatient management of alcoholism. Gabapentin's ease of use, rapid titration, good tolerability, and efficacy in both the withdrawal and chronic phases of treatment make it particularly appealing. In summary, several NBACs appear to be beneficial in treating AWS and alcohol use disorders.

Anticonvulsants for the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and Alcohol Use Disorders

PubMed Central

Hammond, Christopher J.; Niciu, Mark J.; Drew, Shannon; Arias, Albert J.

2015-01-01

Alcoholic patients suffer from harmful allostatic neuroplastic changes in the brain causing an acute withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of drinking followed by a protracted abstinence syndrome and an increased risk of relapse to heavy drinking. Benzodiazepines have long been the treatment of choice for detoxifying patients and managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Non-benzodiazepine anticonvulsants (NBACs) are increasingly being used both for alcohol withdrawal management and for ongoing outpatient treatment of alcohol dependence, with the goal of either abstinence or harm reduction. This expert narrative review summarizes the scientific basis and clinical evidence supporting the use of NBACs in treating AWS and for reducing harmful drinking patterns. There is less evidence in support of NBAC therapy for AWS, with few placebo-controlled trials. Carbamazepine and gabapentin appear to be the most promising adjunctive treatments for AWS, and they may be useful as monotherapy in select cases, especially in outpatient settings and for the treatment of mild-to-moderate low-risk patients with the AWS. The body of evidence supporting the use of the NBACs for reducing harmful drinking in the outpatient setting is stronger. Topiramate appears to have a robust effect on reducing harmful drinking in alcoholics. Gabapentin is a potentially efficacious treatment for reducing the risk of relapse to harmful drinking patterns in outpatient management of alcoholism. Gabapentin's ease of use, rapid titration, good tolerability, and efficacy in both the withdrawal and chronic phases of treatment make it particularly appealing. In summary, several NBACs appear to be beneficial in treating AWS and alcohol use disorders. PMID:25895020

anticonvulsant and toxicity evaluation of newer 4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-ones: The effect of two hydrogen bonding domains.

PubMed

Siddiqui, Nadeem; Ali, Ruhi; Arshad, M Faiz; Ahsan, Waquar; Ahmed, Sharique; Alam, M Shamsher

2010-11-01

A series of (Z)-2-(substituted aryl)-N-(3-oxo-4-(substituted carbamothioyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-7-yl) hydrazine carboxamides (6a-r) was synthesized using 2-amino-5-nitrophenol as a starting material. All the synthesized compounds possessed two hydrogen-bonding domains and their effect on the activity was studied thereof. The anticonvulsant activity was assessed by the maximal electroshock test (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole test (scPTZ) and intraperitoneal thiosemicarbazide test (ipTSC). Compounds (6b, 6h, 6i, and 6p) were found to be the most potent of the series as they showed 83-100% protection in the MES test. They also displayed considerable activity in the chemically induced seizure tests. Most of the tested compounds were devoid of the neurotoxic and hepatotoxic effects.

Substituted N-(Biphenyl-4′-yl)methyl (R)-2-Acetamido-3-methoxypropionamides: Potent Anticonvulsants That Affect Frequency (Use) Dependence and Slow Inactivation of Sodium Channels

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

We prepared 13 derivatives of N-(biphenyl-4′-yl)methyl (R)-2-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamide that differed in type and placement of a R-substituent in the terminal aryl unit. We demonstrated that the R-substituent impacted the compound’s whole animal and cellular pharmacological activities. In rodents, select compounds exhibited excellent anticonvulsant activities and protective indices (PI = TD50/ED50) that compared favorably with clinical antiseizure drugs. Compounds with a polar, aprotic R-substituent potently promoted Na+ channel slow inactivation and displayed frequency (use) inhibition of Na+ currents at low micromolar concentrations. The possible advantage of affecting these two pathways to decrease neurological hyperexcitability is discussed. PMID:25004277

[The role of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the mechanism of action of anticonvulsant drugs].

PubMed

Chmielewska, B

2000-01-01

Decreased activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in CNS can be epileptogenic. Manipulation of the GABA system has been a target for development of antiepileptic drugs. The different ways for augmenting gabaergic inhibition by conventional and new AEDs are presented in this paper. Among the I generation, barbiturates and benzodiazepines are potent anticonvulsants that act as GABA modulators in postsynaptic GABA-A receptor complex but their usefulness is limited by dependence and tolerance to antiseizure activity. The II generation drugs vigabatrin and tiagabine, and to some extent gabapentin have been developed by a rationale strategy and none of them exert direct action in GABA receptors. Only two former drugs exhibit selective, strictly defined activity: vigabatrine is an irreversible inhibitor of GABA-aminotransferase and tiagabine acts as a GABA-uptake inhibitor from synaptic cleft into neurons and glia. Gabapentin binds to a novel receptors in epileptogenic areas in CNS and enhances GABA turnover. Drugs with multiple mechanisms of action, felbamate and topiramate not only potentiate gabaergic inhibition in several ways but also diminish the activity of excitatory amino acids at their NMDA or AMPA receptors; the later mechanism seems to be essential for their potential neuroprotective activity in epileptogenesis. None of gabamimetic drugs provide optimal seizure control but better tolerability of newer ones and well-established mechanisms of action provide possible harmless therapy.

2, 5-Disubstituted phthalimides: design, synthesis and anticonvulsant activity in scPTZ and MES models.

PubMed

Saadabadi, Atefeh; Kohen, Babak; Irandoust, Maryam; Shafaroudi, Hamed; Mohammadpour, Tara; Rezayat, Mahdi; Davood, Asghar

2018-05-15

In this study, fifteenth new 2,5-disubstituted analgouges of phthalimide were designed and synthesized using the appropriate synthetic route to evaluate anticonvulsant activity against the maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) compare to phenytoin as a positive control. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by FT-IR, H-NMR, C-NMR and MASS spectroscopy. All the tested compounds were found to be effective in the PTZ model at the dose of 60 mg/kg and most of the compounds showed protection against MES test indicative of their ability to inhibit the seizure spread at the all dose ranges. Compound 3 has illustrated the best efficacy among all compounds and showed more potency than phenytoin in clonic seizure and was potent as phenytoin in tonic seizure. Using a model of the Na channel, these derivatives were docked in the active site. Docking studies displayed that all synthesized compounds have more negative binding energy compare to reference drug and inhibition-constant less than phenytoin that means they can block the receptor more efficiently and usually form hydrophobic interactions or hydrogen binding interaction frequently with the domains I, II, III and rarely with domain IV. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Serum levels of zinc and copper in epileptic children during long-term therapy with anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Talat, Mohamed A; Ahmed, Anwar; Mohammed, Lamia

2015-10-01

To evaluate the serum levels of zinc and copper in epileptic children during the long-term treatment of anticonvulsant drugs and correlate this with healthy subjects. A hospital-based group matched case-control study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt between November 2013 and October 2014. Ninety patients aged 7.1 ± 3.6 years were diagnosed with epilepsy by a neurologist. The control group was selected from healthy individuals and matched to the case group. Serum zinc and copper were measured by the calorimetric method using a colorimetric method kit. The mean zinc level was 60.1 ± 22.6 ug/dl in the cases, and 102.1 ± 18 ug/dl in the controls (p<0.001). The mean copper level was 180.1 ± 32.4 ug/dl in cases compared with 114.5 ± 18.5 ug/dl in controls (p<0.001). Serum zinc levels in epileptic children under drug treatment are lower compared with healthy children. Also, serum copper levels in these patients are significantly higher than in healthy people. No significant difference in the levels of serum copper and zinc was observed in using one drug or multiple drugs in the treatment of epileptic patients.

Differential expression of benzodiazepine anticonvulsant cross-tolerance according to time following flurazepam or diazepam treatment.

PubMed

Rosenberg, H C

1995-01-01

In previous studies in which the anti-pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) effect of benzodiazepines was used to measure tolerance, the results depended on the benzodiazepine used for chronic treatment as well as the benzodiazepine given acutely to test for tolerance. In this study, the time course of tolerance reversal was studied in rats given two treatments known to cause anticonvulsant tolerance, 1-week flurazepam (FZP), and 3-week diazepam (DZP). Neither treatment altered convulsive threshold for IV PTZ, but both treatments decreased the convulsive threshold for bicuculline. Withdrawing DZP, but not FZP, treatment resulted in a loss of body weight. Twelve hours after 1-week FZP treatment, all benzodiazepines were significantly less effective, showing tolerance. Forty-eight hours after the 1-week FZP treatment, tolerance was still observed with DZP, FZP, and zolpidem, but was no longer present with clonazepam or bretazenil. After the 3-week DZP treatment, rats were tolerant to all benzodiazepines tested at 12 h of withdrawal, but had lost tolerance to all the drugs except bretazenil by 48 h. The results suggest differences in the way these benzodiazepines interact with their receptors, allowing differential expression of tolerance, and that chronic DZP and FZP treatments affected interactions of the benzodiazepines with their receptors, but not in the same fashion.

Structure-property relationship of 3-(4-substituted benzyl)-1,3-diazaspiro[4.4]nonane-2,4-diones as new potentional anticonvulsant agents. An experimental and theoretical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazić, Anita M.; Božić, Bojan Đ.; Vitnik, Vesna D.; Vitnik, Željko J.; Rogan, Jelena R.; Radovanović, Lidija D.; Valentić, Nataša V.; Ušćumlić, Gordana S.

2017-01-01

The structure-property relationship of newly synthesized 3-(4-substituted benzyl)-1,3-diazaspiro [4.4]nonane-2,4-diones was studied by experimental and calculated methods. The prepared compounds were characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The crystal structure was elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The 3-benzyl-1,3-diazaspiro[4.4]nonane-2,4-dione crystallizes in triclinic P-1 space group, with two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. Cyclopentane ring adopts an envelope conformation. A three-dimensional crystal packing is governed by hydrogen N-H⋯O bonds, numerous C-H⋯O/N and C-H … π interactions between neighboring molecules. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with B3LYP and M06-2X methods using 6-311++G(d,p) basis set were performed to provide structural and spectroscopic information. Comparisons between experimental and calculated UV-Vis spectral properties suggest that the monomeric form of the investigated spirohydantoins is dominant in all used solvents. The effects of substituents on the absorption spectra of spirohydantoins are interpreted by correlation of absorption frequencies with Hammett equation. The lipophilicities of the investigated molecules were estimated by calculation of their log P values. Some of the spirohydantoins synthesized in this work, exhibit the lipophilicities comparable to the standard medicine anticonvulsant drug Phenytoin. The results obtained in this investigation afford guidelines for the preparation of new derivatives of spirohydantoin as potential anticonvulsant agents and for better understanding the structure-activity relationship.

Bioisosteres of ethyl 8-ethynyl-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-benzo[f]imidazo [1,5-a][1,4]diazepine-3-carboxylate (HZ-166) as novel alpha 2,3 selective potentiators of GABAA receptors: Improved bioavailability enhances anticonvulsant efficacy.

PubMed

Witkin, J M; Smith, J L; Ping, X; Gleason, S D; Poe, M M; Li, G; Jin, X; Hobbs, J; Schkeryantz, J M; McDermott, J S; Alatorre, A I; Siemian, J N; Cramer, J W; Airey, D C; Methuku, K R; Tiruveedhula, V V N P B; Jones, T M; Crawford, J; Krambis, M J; Fisher, J L; Cook, J M; Cerne, R

2018-05-03

HZ-166 has previously been characterized as an α2,3-selective GABA A receptor modulator with anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and anti-nociceptive properties but reduced motor effects. We discovered a series of ester bioisosteres with reduced metabolic liabilities, leading to improved efficacy as anxiolytic-like compounds in rats. In the present study, we evaluated the anticonvulsant effects KRM-II-81 across several rodent models. In some models we also evaluated key structural analogs. KRM-II-81 suppressed hyper-excitation in a network of cultured cortical neurons without affecting the basal neuronal activity. KRM-II-81 was active against electroshock-induced convulsions in mice, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions in rats, elevations in PTZ-seizure thresholds, and amygdala-kindled seizures in rats with efficacies greater than that of diazepam. KRM-II-81 was also active in the 6 Hz seizure model in mice. Structural analogs of KRM-II-81 but not the ester, HZ-166, were active in all models in which they were evaluated. We further evaluated KRM-II-81 in human cortical epileptic tissue where it was found to significantly-attenuate picrotoxin- and AP-4-induced increases in firing rate across an electrode array. These molecules generally had a wider margin of separation in potencies to produce anticonvulsant effects vs. motor impairment on an inverted screen test than did diazepam. Ester bioisosters of HZ-166 are thus presented as novel agents for the potential treatment of epilepsy acting via selective positive allosteric amplification of GABA A signaling through α2/α3-containing GABA receptors. The in vivo data from the present study can serve as a guide to dosing parameters that predict engagement of central GABA A receptors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of Anticonvulsant and Antiepileptogenic Neurosteroids in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Epilepsy

PubMed Central

Reddy, Doodipala Samba

2011-01-01

This review highlights the role of major endogenous neurosteroids in seizure disorders and the promise of neurosteroid replacement therapy in epilepsy. Neurosteroids are endogenous modulators of seizure susceptibility. Neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone (3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnane-20-one) and allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (3α,21-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one) are positive modulators of GABA-A receptors. Aside from peripheral tissues, neurosteroids are synthesized within the brain, mostly in principal neurons. Neurosteroids potentiate synaptic GABA-A receptor function and also activate δ-subunit-containing extrasynaptic GABA-A receptors that mediate tonic currents and thus may play an important role in neuronal network excitability and seizure susceptibility. Our studies over the past decade have shown that neurosteroids are broad-spectrum anticonvulsants and confer seizure protection in various animal models. They protect against seizures induced by GABA-A receptor antagonists, 6-Hz model, pilocarpine-induced limbic seizures, and seizures in kindled animals. Unlike benzodiazepines, tolerance does not occur to their actions during chronic administration. Our recent studies provide compelling evidence that neurosteroids may have antiepileptogenic properties. There is emerging evidence that endogenous neurosteroids may play a key role in the pathophysiology of catamenial epilepsy, stress–sensitive seizure conditions, temporal lobe epilepsy, and alcohol-withdrawal seizures. It is suggested that neurosteroid replacement with natural or synthetic neurosteroids may be useful in the treatment of epilepsy. Synthetic analogs of neurosteroids that are devoid of hormonal side effects show promise in the treatment of diverse seizure disorders. Agents that stimulate endogenous production of neurosteroids may also be useful for treatment of epilepsy. PMID:22654805

Anticonvulsant effects of mefloquine on generalized tonic-clonic seizures induced by two acute models in rats.

PubMed

Franco-Pérez, Javier; Ballesteros-Zebadúa, Paola; Manjarrez-Marmolejo, Joaquín

2015-03-01

Mefloquine can cross the blood-brain barrier and block the gap junction intercellular communication in the brain. Enhanced electrical coupling mediated by gap junctions is an underlying mechanism involved in the generation and maintenance of seizures. For this reason, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of the systemic administration of mefloquine on tonic-clonic seizures induced by two acute models such as pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock. All the control rats presented generalized tonic-clonic seizures after the administration of pentylenetetrazole. However, the incidence of seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole significantly decreased in the groups administered systematically with 40 and 80 mg/kg of mefloquine. In the control group, none of the rats survived after the generalized tonic-clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, but survival was improved by mefloquine. Besides, mefloquine significantly modified the total spectral power as well as the duration, amplitude and frequency of the epileptiform activity induced by pentylenetetrazole. For the maximal electroshock model, mefloquine did not change the occurrence of tonic hindlimb extension. However, this gap junction blocker significantly decreased the duration of the tonic hindlimb extension induced by the acute electroshock. These data suggest that mefloquine at low doses might be eliciting some anticonvulsant effects when is systemically administered to rats.

Serum levels of zinc and copper in epileptic children during long-term therapy with anticonvulsants

PubMed Central

Talat, Mohamed A.; Ahmed, Anwar; Mohammed, Lamia

2015-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the serum levels of zinc and copper in epileptic children during the long-term treatment of anticonvulsant drugs and correlate this with healthy subjects. Methods: A hospital-based group matched case-control study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt between November 2013 and October 2014. Ninety patients aged 7.1±3.6 years were diagnosed with epilepsy by a neurologist. The control group was selected from healthy individuals and matched to the case group. Serum zinc and copper were measured by the calorimetric method using a colorimetric method kit. Results: The mean zinc level was 60.1±22.6 ug/dl in the cases, and 102.1±18 ug/dl in the controls (p<0.001). The mean copper level was 180.1±32.4 ug/dl in cases compared with 114.5±18.5 ug/dl in controls (p<0.001). Conclusion: Serum zinc levels in epileptic children under drug treatment are lower compared with healthy children. Also, serum copper levels in these patients are significantly higher than in healthy people. No significant difference in the levels of serum copper and zinc was observed in using one drug or multiple drugs in the treatment of epileptic patients. PMID:26492112

Acute exposure to caffeine decreases the anticonvulsant action of ethosuximide, but not that of clonazepam, phenobarbital and valproate against pentetrazole-induced seizures in mice.

PubMed

Luszczki, Jarogniew J; Zuchora, Marek; Sawicka, Katarzyna M; Kozińska, Justyna; Czuczwar, Stanisław J

2006-01-01

This study examines the effect of acute administration of caffeine sodium benzoate (CAF) on the anticonvulsant action of four conventional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs: clonazepam - CZP, ethosuximide - ETS, phenobarbital - PB and valproate - VPA) against pentetrazole (PTZ)-induced clonic seizures in mice. The results indicate that CAF at a dose of 92.4 mg/kg significantly reduced the threshold for PTZ-induced clonic seizures in mice from 69.5 to 51.7 mg/kg (p<0.05), being ineffective at lower doses of 69.3 and 46.2 mg/kg. Moreover, CAF at doses of and 92.4 mg/kg attenuated the protective action of ETS against PTZ-induced seizures, by increasing its median effective dose (ED50) from 127.7 to 182.3 (p<0.05), and 198.3 mg/kg (p<0.01), respectively. In this case, no pharmacokinetic changes in total brain ETS concentrations after systemic ip administration of CAF (at 92.4 mg/kg) were observed, indicating a pharmacodynamic nature of interaction between ETS and CAF in the PTZ-test in mice. In contrast, CAF (at a dose of 92.4 mg/kg reducing the threshold for PTZ-induced seizures) combined with other AEDs (CZP, PB and VPA) did not affect their anticonvulsant action in the PTZ test in mice. Moreover, CAF (92.4 mg/kg) did not alter significantly total brain concentrations of the remaining AEDs (CZP, PB and VPA). The evaluation of potential acute adverse effects produced by AEDs in combination with CAF revealed that neither CAF (up to 92.4 mg/kg) administered alone nor combined with the studied drugs (at doses corresponding to their ED(50) values in the PTZ-test) affected motor performance of animals in the chimney test. In conclusion, the acute exposure to CAF may diminish the antiseizure protection offered by ETS in epileptic patients. Therefore, patients treated with ETS should avoid CAF.

High dosage of cannabidiol (CBD) alleviates pentylenetetrazole-induced epilepsy in rats by exerting an anticonvulsive effect

PubMed Central

Mao, Ke; You, Chao; Lei, Ding; Zhang, Heng

2015-01-01

The study was designed to investigate the effect of various concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD) in rats with chronic epilepsy. The chronic epilepsy rat model was prepared by intraperitoneally injecting pentylenetetrazole to the rats pre-treated with CBD (10, 20 and 50 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral measurements of convulsion following pentylenetetrazole treatment and morphological changes of the hippocampal neurons with hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the epileptic behaviour. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the hippocampus. The mRNA expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subunits (NR1 and NR2B) was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed a significant decrease in the daily average grade of epileptic seizures on treatment with CBD (50 mg/kg). The neuronal loss and astrocyte hyperplasia in the hippocampal area were also decreased. CBD treatment did not affect the expression of iNOS in the hippocampus; however, the expression of NR1 was decreased significantly. Thus, CBD administration inhibited the effect of pentylenetetrazole in rats, decreased the astrocytic hyperplasia, decreased neuronal damage in the hippocampus caused by seizures and selectively reduced the expression of the NR1 subunit of NMDA. Therefore, CBD exhibits an anticonvulsive effect in the rats with chronic epilepsy. PMID:26309534

Synthesis, Biological Activity, and Docking Study of Novel Isatin Coupled Thiazolidin-4-one Derivatives as Anticonvulsants.

PubMed

Nikalje, Anna P; Ansari, Altamash; Bari, Sanjay; Ugale, Vinod

2015-06-01

A series of 2-(substituted-phenyl)-3-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)amino)-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives were designed and synthesized under microwave irradiation, using an eco-friendly, efficient, microwave-assisted synthetic protocol that involves cyclocondensation of 3-substituted benzylidine-hydrazono-indolin-2-one 3a-j with thioglycolic acid in dimethyl formamide (DMF) as solvent and anhydrous zinc chloride as a catalyst, keeping in view the structural requirement of the pharmacophore. The intermediate compounds 3a-j were obtained by condensation of the hydrazone of indoline-2,3-dione with aromatic aldehydes. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated for CNS depressant activity and anticonvulsant activity in mice using the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (sc-PTZ) induced seizure tests. All the derivatives showed good CNS depressant activity and showed protection in the MES test, indicative of their ability to inhibit the seizure spread. A histopathological study was performed to evaluate liver toxicity caused by the synthesized compounds. The compounds were nontoxic. A computational study was performed, in which log P values were calculated experimentally. Virtual screening was performed by molecular docking of the designed compounds into the ATP binding sites of the NMDA and AMPA receptors, to predict if these compounds have analogous binding modes. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Anticonvulsant activity of Aloe vera leaf extract in acute and chronic models of epilepsy in mice.

PubMed

Rathor, Naveen; Arora, Tarun; Manocha, Sachin; Patil, Amol N; Mediratta, Pramod K; Sharma, Krishna K

2014-03-01

The effect of Aloe vera in epilepsy has not yet been explored. This study was done to explore the effect of aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaf powder on three acute and one chronic model of epilepsy. In acute study, aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder was administered in doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. Dose of 400 mg/kg of Aloe vera leaf extract was chosen for chronic administration. Oxidative stress parameters viz. malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also estimated in brain of kindled animals. In acute study, Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder in a dose-dependent manner significantly decreased duration of tonic hind limb extension in maximal electroshock seizure model, increased seizure threshold current in increasing current electroshock seizure model, and increased latency to onset and decreased duration of clonic convulsion in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) model as compared with control group. In chronic study, Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder prevented progression of kindling in PTZ-kindled mice. Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder 400 mg/kg p.o. also reduced brain levels of MDA and increased GSH levels as compared to the PTZ-kindled non-treated group. The results of study showed that Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder possessed significant anticonvulsant and anti-oxidant activity. © 2013 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

High dosage of cannabidiol (CBD) alleviates pentylenetetrazole-induced epilepsy in rats by exerting an anticonvulsive effect.

PubMed

Mao, Ke; You, Chao; Lei, Ding; Zhang, Heng

2015-01-01

The study was designed to investigate the effect of various concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD) in rats with chronic epilepsy. The chronic epilepsy rat model was prepared by intraperitoneally injecting pentylenetetrazole to the rats pre-treated with CBD (10, 20 and 50 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral measurements of convulsion following pentylenetetrazole treatment and morphological changes of the hippocampal neurons with hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the epileptic behaviour. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the hippocampus. The mRNA expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subunits (NR1 and NR2B) was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed a significant decrease in the daily average grade of epileptic seizures on treatment with CBD (50 mg/kg). The neuronal loss and astrocyte hyperplasia in the hippocampal area were also decreased. CBD treatment did not affect the expression of iNOS in the hippocampus; however, the expression of NR1 was decreased significantly. Thus, CBD administration inhibited the effect of pentylenetetrazole in rats, decreased the astrocytic hyperplasia, decreased neuronal damage in the hippocampus caused by seizures and selectively reduced the expression of the NR1 subunit of NMDA. Therefore, CBD exhibits an anticonvulsive effect in the rats with chronic epilepsy.

Seeking potential anticonvulsant agents that target GABAA receptors using experimental and theoretical procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saavedra-Vélez, Margarita Virginia; Correa-Basurto, José; Matus, Myrna H.; Gasca-Pérez, Eloy; Bello, Martiniano; Cuevas-Hernández, Roberto; García-Rodríguez, Rosa Virginia; Trujillo-Ferrara, José; Ramos-Morales, Fernando Rafael

2014-12-01

The aim of this study was to identify compounds that possess anticonvulsant activity by using a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure model. Theoretical studies of a set of ligands, explored the binding affinities of the ligands for the GABAA receptor (GABAAR), including some benzodiazepines. The ligands satisfy the Lipinski rules and contain a pharmacophore core that has been previously reported to be a GABAAR activator. To select the ligands with the best physicochemical properties, all of the compounds were analyzed by quantum mechanics and the energies of the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital were determined. Docking calculations between the ligands and the GABAAR were used to identify the complexes with the highest Gibbs binding energies. The identified compound D1 (dibenzo( b,f)(1,4)diazocine-6,11(5H,12H)-dione) was synthesized, experimentally tested, and the GABAAR-D1 complex was submitted to 12-ns-long molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to corroborate the binding conformation obtained by docking techniques. MD simulations were also used to analyze the decomposition of the Gibbs binding energy of the residues involved in the stabilization of the complex. To validate our theoretical results, molecular docking and MD simulations were also performed for three reference compounds that are currently in commercial use: clonazepam (CLZ), zolpidem and eszopiclone. The theoretical results show that the GABAAR-D1, and GABAAR-CLZ complexes bind to the benzodiazepine binding site, share a similar map of binding residues, and have similar Gibbs binding energies and entropic components. Experimental studies using a PTZ-induced seizure model showed that D1 possesses similar activity to CLZ, which corroborates the predicted binding free energy identified by theoretical calculations.

Functional drug screening reveals anticonvulsants as enhancers of mTOR-independent autophagic killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through inositol depletion

PubMed Central

Schiebler, Mark; Brown, Karen; Hegyi, Krisztina; Newton, Sandra M; Renna, Maurizio; Hepburn, Lucy; Klapholz, Catherine; Coulter, Sarah; Obregón-Henao, Andres; Henao Tamayo, Marcela; Basaraba, Randall; Kampmann, Beate; Henry, Katherine M; Burgon, Joseph; Renshaw, Stephen A; Fleming, Angeleen; Kay, Robert R; Anderson, Karen E; Hawkins, Phillip T; Ordway, Diane J; Rubinsztein, David C; Floto, Rodrigo Andres

2015-01-01

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) remains a major challenge to global health made worse by the spread of multidrug resistance. We therefore examined whether stimulating intracellular killing of mycobacteria through pharmacological enhancement of macroautophagy might provide a novel therapeutic strategy. Despite the resistance of MTB to killing by basal autophagy, cell-based screening of FDA-approved drugs revealed two anticonvulsants, carbamazepine and valproic acid, that were able to stimulate autophagic killing of intracellular M. tuberculosis within primary human macrophages at concentrations achievable in humans. Using a zebrafish model, we show that carbamazepine can stimulate autophagy in vivo and enhance clearance of M. marinum, while in mice infected with a highly virulent multidrug-resistant MTB strain, carbamazepine treatment reduced bacterial burden, improved lung pathology and stimulated adaptive immunity. We show that carbamazepine induces antimicrobial autophagy through a novel, evolutionarily conserved, mTOR-independent pathway controlled by cellular depletion of myo-inositol. While strain-specific differences in susceptibility to in vivo carbamazepine treatment may exist, autophagy enhancement by repurposed drugs provides an easily implementable potential therapy for the treatment of multidrug-resistant mycobacterial infection. PMID:25535254

Functional drug screening reveals anticonvulsants as enhancers of mTOR-independent autophagic killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through inositol depletion.

PubMed

Schiebler, Mark; Brown, Karen; Hegyi, Krisztina; Newton, Sandra M; Renna, Maurizio; Hepburn, Lucy; Klapholz, Catherine; Coulter, Sarah; Obregón-Henao, Andres; Henao Tamayo, Marcela; Basaraba, Randall; Kampmann, Beate; Henry, Katherine M; Burgon, Joseph; Renshaw, Stephen A; Fleming, Angeleen; Kay, Robert R; Anderson, Karen E; Hawkins, Phillip T; Ordway, Diane J; Rubinsztein, David C; Floto, Rodrigo Andres

2015-02-01

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) remains a major challenge to global health made worse by the spread of multidrug resistance. We therefore examined whether stimulating intracellular killing of mycobacteria through pharmacological enhancement of macroautophagy might provide a novel therapeutic strategy. Despite the resistance of MTB to killing by basal autophagy, cell-based screening of FDA-approved drugs revealed two anticonvulsants, carbamazepine and valproic acid, that were able to stimulate autophagic killing of intracellular M. tuberculosis within primary human macrophages at concentrations achievable in humans. Using a zebrafish model, we show that carbamazepine can stimulate autophagy in vivo and enhance clearance of M. marinum, while in mice infected with a highly virulent multidrug-resistant MTB strain, carbamazepine treatment reduced bacterial burden, improved lung pathology and stimulated adaptive immunity. We show that carbamazepine induces antimicrobial autophagy through a novel, evolutionarily conserved, mTOR-independent pathway controlled by cellular depletion of myo-inositol. While strain-specific differences in susceptibility to in vivo carbamazepine treatment may exist, autophagy enhancement by repurposed drugs provides an easily implementable potential therapy for the treatment of multidrug-resistant mycobacterial infection. © 2014 The Authors. Published under the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license.

Anticonvulsants Based on the α-Substituted Amide Group Pharmacophore Bind to and Inhibit Function of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors.

PubMed

Krivoshein, Arcadius V

2016-03-16

Although the antiepileptic properties of α-substituted lactams, acetamides, and cyclic imides have been known for over 60 years, the mechanism by which they act remains unclear. I report here that these compounds bind to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and inhibit its function. Using transient kinetic measurements with functionally active, nondesensitized receptors, I have discovered that (i) α-substituted lactams and cyclic imides are noncompetitive inhibitors of heteromeric subtypes (such as α4β2 and α3β4) of neuronal nAChRs and (ii) the binding affinity of these compounds toward the nAChR correlates with their potency in preventing maximal electroshock (MES)-induced convulsions in mice. Based on the hypothesis that α-substituted amide group is the essential pharmacophore of these drugs, I found and tested a simple compound, 2-phenylbutyramide. This compound indeed inhibits nAChR and shows good anticonvulsant activity in mice. Molecular docking simulations suggest that α-substituted lactams, acetamides, and cyclic imides bind to the same sites on the extracellular domain of the receptor. These new findings indicate that inhibition of brain nAChRs may play an important role in the action of these antiepileptic drugs, a role that has not been previously recognized.

New benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl-aminoacetamides as potential anticonvulsants: synthesis, activity and prediction of molecular properties.

PubMed

Ali, Ruhi; Siddiqui, Nadeem

2015-04-01

A series of N-(substituted-2-oxo-4-phenylazetidin-1-yl)-2-((6-substitutedbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)amino)acetamide derivatives were synthesized using pharmacophoric features with aromatic hydrophobic aryl ring (A), NH-C=O as hydrogen bonding domain, the nitrogen atom as electron donor (D), and phenyl as distal aryl ring (C). The synthesized molecules were initially screened for anticonvulsant activity using the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test and the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole test in albino mice. An acute neurotoxicity study on the synthesized molecules was also carried out using the rotarod test. The results of these tests revealed that two compounds, 5b and 5q, showed promising activity with ED50 values of 15.4 and 18.6 mg/kg and protective indices of 20.7 and 34.9 in the MES test, respectively, which are found to be approximately fourfold higher than those of the standard drugs phenytoin (6.9) and carbamazepine (8.1). These molecules may act as lead of the designed scheme. The pharmacokinetic profiles of all the synthesized compounds were estimated using Molinspiration software. None of the compounds violated Lipinski's "rule of five". The possible structure-activity relationship was discussed. In conclusion, this manuscript shows that the developed model has a highly prognostic power for the further investigation of better benzothiazole derivatives for future discovery and development. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Merging Structural Motifs of Functionalized Amino Acids and α-Aminoamides Results in Novel Anticonvulsant Compounds with Significant Effects on Slow and Fast Inactivation of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels and in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

We recently reported that merging key structural pharmacophores of the anticonvulsant drugs lacosamide (a functionalized amino acid) with safinamide (an α-aminoamide) resulted in novel compounds with anticonvulsant activities superior to that of either drug alone. Here, we examined the effects of six such chimeric compounds on Na+-channel function in central nervous system catecholaminergic (CAD) cells. Using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology, we demonstrated that these compounds affected Na+ channel fast and slow inactivation processes. Detailed electrophysiological characterization of two of these chimeric compounds that contained either an oxymethylene ((R)-7) or a chemical bond ((R)-11) between the two aromatic rings showed comparable effects on slow inactivation, use-dependence of block, development of slow inactivation, and recovery of Na+ channels from inactivation. Both compounds were equally effective at inducing slow inactivation; (R)-7 shifted the fast inactivation curve in the hyperpolarizing direction greater than (R)-11, suggesting that in the presence of (R)-7 a larger fraction of the channels are in an inactivated state. None of the chimeric compounds affected veratridine- or KCl-induced glutamate release in neonatal cortical neurons. There was modest inhibition of KCl-induced calcium influx in cortical neurons. Finally, a single intraperitoneal administration of (R)-7, but not (R)-11, completely reversed mechanical hypersensitivity in a tibial-nerve injury model of neuropathic pain. The strong effects of (R)-7 on slow and fast inactivation of Na+ channels may contribute to its efficacy and provide a promising novel therapy for neuropathic pain, in addition to its antiepileptic potential. PMID:21765969

7-Nitroindazole, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, enhances the anticonvulsive action of ethosuximide and clonazepam against pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions.

PubMed

Borowicz, K K; Luszczki, J; Kleinrok, Z; Czuczwar, S J

2000-01-01

The interaction of 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, with the protective activity of conventional antiepileptics against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures was tested in mice. Alone, 7-nitroindazole (up to 50mg/kg) was ineffective in this model of experimental epilepsy. However, it potentiated the anticonvulsive activity of ethosuximide and clonazepam, significantly reducing their ED50S against PTZ-induced convulsions (from 144 to 76 mg/kg, and from 0.05 to 0.016 mg/kg, respectively). Conversely, the protective actions of valproate and phenobarbital were not affected by the NOS inhibitor. Since the nitric oxide precursor, L-arginine, did not reverse the action of 7-NI on ethosuximide or clonazepam, an involvement of central NO does not seem probable. Neither ethosuximide nor clonazepam, administered at their ED50S (144 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively), produced significant adverse effects as regards motor coordination (chimney test) and long-term memory (passive avoidance task). Also 7-NI (50 mg/kg) and its combinations with ethosuximide and clonazepam (providing a 50% protection against PTZ-evoked seizures) did not disturb motor and mnemonic performance in mice. The interaction at the pharmacokinetic level does not seem probable, at least in the case of ethosuximide, because the NOS inhibitor did not interfere with its plasma or brain concentrations.

Anticonvulsant actions of LY 367385 ((+)-2-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine) and AIDA ((RS)-1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid).

PubMed

Chapman, A G; Yip, P K; Yap, J S; Quinn, L P; Tang, E; Harris, J R; Meldrum, B S

1999-02-26

We have studied the effects in three rodent models of generalised convulsive or absence epilepsy of two antagonists of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors that are selective for the mGlu1 receptor. LY 367385 ((+)-2-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine) and AIDA ((RS)-1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid) have been administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) to DBA/2 mice and lethargic mice (lh/lh), and focally into the inferior colliculus of genetically epilepsy prone rats (GEPR). In DBA/2 mice both compounds produce a rapid, transient suppression of sound-induced clonic seizures (LY 367385: ED50 = 12 nmol, i.c.v., 5 min; AIDA: ED50 = 79 nmol, i.c.v., 15 min). In lethargic mice both compounds significantly reduce the incidence of spontaneous spike and wave discharges on the electroencephalogram, from <30 to >150 min after the administration of AIDA, 500 nmol, i.c.v., and from 30 to >150 min after the administration of LY 367385, 250 nmol, i.c.v. LY 367385, 50 nmol, suppresses spontaneous spike and wave discharges from 30 to 60 min. In genetically epilepsy prone rats both compounds reduce sound-induced clonic seizures. LY 367385, 160 nmol bilaterally, fully suppresses clonic seizures after 2-4 h. AIDA is fully effective 30 min after 100 nmol bilaterally. It is concluded that antagonists of mGlu1 receptors are potential anticonvulsant agents and that activation of mGlu1 receptors probably contributes to a variety of epileptic syndromes.

Treatments for acute bipolar depression: meta-analyses of placebo-controlled, monotherapy trials of anticonvulsants, lithium and antipsychotics.

PubMed

Selle, V; Schalkwijk, S; Vázquez, G H; Baldessarini, R J

2014-03-01

Optimal treatments for bipolar depression, and the relative value of specific drugs for that purpose, remain uncertain, including agents other than antidepressants. We searched for reports of placebo-controlled, monotherapy trials of mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants, second-generation antipsychotics, or lithium for acute major depressive episodes in patients diagnosed with type I or II bipolar disorder and applied random-effects meta-analysis to evaluate their efficacy, comparing outcomes based on standardized mean drug-placebo differences (SMD) in improvement, relative response rates (RR), and number-needed-to-treat (NNT). We identified 24 trials of 10 treatments (lasting 7.5 weeks, with ≥ 50 collaborating sites/trial) that met eligibility criteria: lamotrigine (5 trials), quetiapine (5), valproate (4), 2 each for aripiprazole, olanzapine, ziprasidone, and 1 each for carbamazepine, lithium, lurasidone, and olanzapine-fluoxetine. Overall, pooled drug-over-placebo responder-rate superiority (RR) was moderate (29% [CI: 19-40%]), and NNT was 8.2 (CI: 6.4-11). By SMD, apparent efficacy ranked: olanzapine + fluoxetine ≥ valproate > quetiapine > lurasidone > olanzapine, aripiprazole, and carbamazepine; ziprasidone was ineffective, and lithium remains inadequately studied. Notably, drugs were superior to placebo in only 11/24 trials (5/5 with quetiapine, 2/4 with valproate), and only lamotrigine, quetiapine and valproate had > 2 trials. Treatment-associated mania-like reactions were uncommon (drugs: 3.7%; placebo: 4.7%). Controlled trials of non-antidepressant treatments for bipolar depression remain scarce, but findings with olanzapine-fluoxetine, lurasidone, quetiapine, and perhaps carbamazepine and valproate were encouraging; lithium requires adequate testing. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Mouse models: the ketogenic diet and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

PubMed

Borges, Karin

2008-11-01

Literature on the anticonvulsant effects of the ketogenic diet (KD) in mouse seizure models is summarized. Recent data show that a KD balanced in vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content is anticonvulsant in mice, confirming that the KD's effect in mice can be attributed to the composition of the diet and not other dietary factors. Given that the anticonvulsant mechanism of the KD is still unknown, the anticonvulsant profile of the diet in different seizure models may help to decipher this mechanism. The implications of the findings that the KD is anticonvulsant in electrical seizure models are indicated. Further, the potential involvement of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the KD's anticonvulsant mechanism is discussed.

2-Methylpyridinium/pyridinium 5-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-4-olates as potent anticonvulsant agents—synthesis and crystal structure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mangaiyarkarasi, G.; Kalaivani, D., E-mail: kalaivbalaj@yahoo.co.in

2013-12-15

The molecular salt, 2-methylpyridinium 5-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropy-rimidin-4-olate) (I), is prepared from the ethanolic solution of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, pyrimidine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione (barbituric acid) and 2-methylpyridine at room temperature, and the molecular salt, pyridinium 5-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-4-olate (II), is prepared from the same reactants, by dissolving them in hot DMSO and ethanol mixture at 70°C. The structures of I and II are characterized by visible, IR, {sup 1}H-NMR, {sup 13}C-NMR and elemental analysis and confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis. Both the salts crystallize in triclinic crystal system with sp. gr. P-bar1. They possess noticeable anticonvulsant activity even at low concentration (25 mg/kg). Acute toxicity studies of these complexesmore » indicate that LD{sub 50} values are greater than 1500 mg/kg and the tested animals do not show any behavioural changes.« less

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new hybrid anticonvulsants derived from N-benzyl-2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanamide and 2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)butanamide derivatives.

PubMed

Kamiński, Krzysztof; Rapacz, Anna; Łuszczki, Jarogniew J; Latacz, Gniewomir; Obniska, Jolanta; Kieć-Kononowicz, Katarzyna; Filipek, Barbara

2015-05-15

The purpose of this study was to synthesize the library of 33 new N-benzyl-2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanamides, 2-(3-methyl-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanamides, and 2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)butanamides as potential new hybrid anticonvulsant agents. These hybrid molecules join the chemical fragments of well-known antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as ethosuximide, levetiracetam, and lacosamide. The coupling reaction of the 2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanoic acid, 2-(3-methyl-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanoic acid, or 2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)butanoic acid with the appropriately substituted benzylamines in the presence of the coupling reagent, N,N-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) generated the final compounds 4-36. Spectral data acquired via (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and LC-MS confirmed the chemical structures of the newly prepared compounds. The initial anticonvulsant screening was performed in mice intraperitoneally (ip), using the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) seizure tests. The rotarod test determined the acute neurological toxicity (NT). The results of preliminary pharmacological screening revealed that 25 compounds showed protection in half or more of the animals tested in the MES and/or scPTZ seizure models at the fixed dose of 100mg/kg. The broad spectra of activity across the preclinical seizure models displayed compounds 4, 7, 8, 13, 15-18, 24, and 26. The quantitative pharmacological studies in mice demonstrated the highest protection for compounds 4 (ED50 MES=67.65 mg/kg, ED50scPTZ=42.83 mg/kg); 8 (ED50 MES=54.90 mg/kg, ED50scPTZ=50.29 mg/kg); and 20 (ED50scPTZ=47.39 mg/kg). These compounds were distinctly more potent and provided better safety profiles in the rotarod test compared to valproic acid or ethosuximide, which were used as model AEDs. Compound 8 underwent only a slight metabolic change by the human liver microsomes (HLMs), and also did not affect the activity of human cytochrome P450 isoform

Synthesis, and anticonvulsant activity of new amides derived from 3-methyl- or 3-ethyl-3-methyl-2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-1-yl-acetic acids.

PubMed

Obniska, Jolanta; Rapacz, Anna; Rybka, Sabina; Góra, Małgorzata; Kamiński, Krzysztof; Sałat, Kinga; Żmudzki, Paweł

2016-04-15

This paper describes the synthesis of the library of 22 new 3-methyl- and 3-ethyl-3-methyl-2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-1-yl-acetamides as potential anticonvulsant agents. The maximal electroshock (MES) and the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) seizure models were used for screening all the compounds. The 6 Hz model of pharmacoresistant limbic seizures was applied for studying selected derivatives. Six amides were chosen for pharmacological characterization of their antinociceptive activity in the formalin model of tonic pain as well as local anesthetic activity was assessed in mice. The pharmacological data indicate on the broad spectra of activity across the preclinical seizure models. Compounds 10 (ED50=32.08 mg/kg, MES test) and 9 (ED50=40.34 mg/kg, scPTZ test) demonstrated the highest potency. These compounds displayed considerably better safety profiles than clinically relevant antiepileptic drugs phenytoin, ethosuximide, or valproic acid. Several molecules showed antinociceptive and local anesthetic properties. The in vitro radioligand binding studies demonstrated that the influence on the sodium and calcium channels may be one of the essential mechanisms of action. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Design, synthesis, and anticonvulsant activity of new hybrid compounds derived from 2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanamides and 2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)butanamides.

PubMed

Kamiński, Krzysztof; Zagaja, Mirosław; Łuszczki, Jarogniew J; Rapacz, Anna; Andres-Mach, Marta; Latacz, Gniewomir; Kieć-Kononowicz, Katarzyna

2015-07-09

The library of 27 new 1-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)- or 1-(morpholin-4-yl)-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanamides and (2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)butanamides as potential new hybrid anticonvulsant agents was synthesized. These hybrid molecules join the chemical fragments of well-known antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as ethosuximide, levetiracetam, and lacosamide. Compounds 5, 10, 11, and 24 displayed the broad spectra of activity across the preclinical seizure models, namely, the maximal electroshock (MES) test, the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) test, and the six-hertz (6 Hz) model of pharmacoresistant limbic seizures. The highest protection was demonstrated by 11 (ED50 MES = 88.4 mg/kg, ED50 scPTZ = 59.9 mg/kg, ED50 6 Hz = 21.0 mg/kg). This molecule did not impair the motor coordination of animals in the chimney test even at high doses (TD50 > 1500 mg/kg), yielding superb protective indexes (PI MES > 16.97, PI PTZ > 25.04, PI 6 Hz > 71.43). As a result, 11 displayed distinctly better safety profile than clinically relevant AEDs ethosuximide, lacosamide, or valproic acid.

Design, synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of some new 6,8-halo-substituted-2h-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indole-3(5h)-one/-thione and 6,8-halo-substituted 5-methyl-2h-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indol-3(5h)-one/-thione

PubMed Central

Kumar, Rajeev; Singh, Tejendra; Singh, Hariram; Jain, Sandeep; Roy, R. K.

2014-01-01

A new series of 6,8-halo-substituted-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indole-3(5H)-one/-thione and 6,8-halo-substituted 5-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indol-3(5H)-one/-thione (5a-5l) were designed and synthesized keeping in view of the structural requirement of pharmacophore. The above compounds were characterized by thin layer chromatography and spectral analysis. Anticonvulsant activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated by the maximal electroshock (MES) test. Neurotoxicity and CNS depressant effects were evaluated by the rotarod motor impairment and Porsolt’s force swim tests, respectively. A computational study was carried out, for calculation of pharmacophore pattern, prediction of pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity properties. The above study revealed that the compounds 8-chloro-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indol-3(5H)-one (5e), 6,8-dibromo-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indol-3(5H)-one (5i) and 6,8-dibromo-5-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indol-3(5H)-one (5k) possess excellent anticonvulsant activity in the series with little CNS depressant effect and no neurotoxicity as compared to standard drugs phenytoin and carbamazepine. PMID:26417257

Kolaviron and vitamin E ameliorate hematotoxicity and oxidative stress in brains of prepubertal rats treated with an anticonvulsant phenytoin.

PubMed

Owoeye, Olatunde; Adedara, Isaac A; Bakare, Oluwafemi S; Adeyemo, Oluwatobi A; Egun, Christa; Farombi, Ebenezer O

2014-06-01

Phenytoin (PHT), an anticonvulsant agent, widely used for the treatment of epilepsy has been reported to exhibit toxic side effects. The present study investigated the protective effects of kolaviron and vitamin E on hematotoxicity and neurotoxicity induced by phenytoin, in prepubertal male rats. The animals were treated with PHT (75 mg/kg) separately or in combination with either kolaviron (200 mg/kg) or vitamin E (500 mg/kg) for 14 days. Phenytoin treatment significantly decreased the hemoglobin, white blood cells, lymphocytes and mean corpuscular volume levels without affecting red blood cell, packed cell volume, neutrophils, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration when compared with the control rats. There was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide levels with marked depletion in antioxidant status in brains of PHT-treated rats when compared with the control. Although PHT treatment had no effect on the granular layer, widest diameter of Purkinje cells and Purkinje layer of the cerebellum, it significantly reduced its molecular layer and the density of Purkinje cell. Administration of PHT significantly reduced the densities of the granule cells of the dentate gyrus and the pyramidal neurons of the cornu ammonis of hippocampus proper. Co-treatment with kolaviron and vitamin E effectively reversed the PHT-mediated alterations in the hematology, brain antioxidant status and histomorphometry when compared to PHT only. Taken together, the present data indicate the abilities of kolaviron and vitamin E to ameliorate phenytoin-induced hematotoxicity and oxidative stress in brains of rats.

Anticonvulsants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabra, Pokar M.; Stafford, Brian E.; McDonald, Donna M.; Marton, Laurence J.

Until recently, it was difficult to explain why an identical drug dosage may exert a toxic effect in one patient and a therapeutic, or no, response in another patient. It has now been demonstrated that the concentration of drug at the tissue receptor site is the most important parameter for adjusting drug dosage. However, the concentration of drug at the receptor site cannot be measured directly, and must therefore be correlated with the concentration of drug in body fluids in contact with these tissue receptors. The ability to correlate plasma drug concentration with tissue concentrations and with therapeutic or toxic effects has enabled those interested in optimizing drug dosages to generate much of the information needed to make useful therapeutic decisions. The exact nature of drug-receptor interactions is not firmly established. It is, however, known that the concentration of free drug correlates best with therapeutic effect. The free drug in plasma is in equilibrium with protein-bound drug and, because of this relationship, it is important to understand to what extent a particular drug is protein-bound. Various attempts to measure free drug concentration in saliva (1) and cerebrospinal fluid (2) have been reported.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of safinamide, a neuroprotectant with antiparkinsonian and anticonvulsant activity.

PubMed

Marzo, Antonio; Dal Bo, Lorenzo; Monti, Nunzia Ceppi; Crivelli, Fabrizio; Ismaili, Shevqet; Caccia, Carla; Cattaneo, Carlo; Fariello, Ruggero G

2004-07-01

This paper describes the pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics, in terms of monoamino oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibition, in male healthy volunteers of orally administered safinamide, a new neuroprotectant that in experimental models has demonstrated strong anticonvulsant and antiparkinson activities. Four clinical trials covering the dose range of 25-10,000 microg/kg were carried out to describe pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and tolerability of safinamide, administered in single or repeated dose regimen to steady state, including a food interaction trial. All the above trials were carried out after the Ethics Committee's approval and signature of the consent form by the volunteers. In single dose trials blood sampling covered a 24 h-period in pharmacodynamic trials, 48 h-period in pharmacokinetic trials. In the case of repeated dose regimen to steady state a pre-dose sample was drawn on the first six study days, whereas the curve was explored on the 7th study day, prolonging blood sampling over a 48 h-period after the last dosing. Safinamide level was determined in plasma by a very sensitive and specific LC-MS-MS method, with a low limit of quantification of 0.5 ng/ml of plasma. Pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out with non-compartmental method and, in one case, also with the two-compartmental method. Monoamine oxidase activity of both types A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B) was determined in plasma at different times (MAO-B) and correlated to safinamide levels, or in urine (MAO-A). Pharmacokinetics of safinamide proved to be linearly and proportionally related to the administered doses. The absorption of safinamide was rapid with peak plasma concentrations ranging from 2 to 4 h. Food prolonged the rate and did not affect the extent of absorption of safinamide. In repeat dose regimen once daily, the steady state was reached on the 5th study day with a marginal accumulation factor of 1.5-1.7. The drug was cleared with a t(1/2) of about 22 h. Safinamide

N-valproyl-L-phenylalanine as new potential antiepileptic drug: synthesis, characterization and in vitro studies on stability, toxicity and anticonvulsant efficacy.

PubMed

De Caro, Viviana; Scaturro, Anna Lisa; Sutera, Flavia Maria; Avellone, Giuseppe; Schiera, Gabriella; Ferrantelli, Evelina; Carafa, Maria; Rizzo, Valerio; Carletti, Fabio; Sardo, Pierangelo; Giannola, Libero Italo

2014-01-01

Valproic acid (VPA) is considered first-line drug in treatment of generalized idiopathic seizures such as absence, generalized tonic-clonic and myoclonic seizures. Among major antiepileptic drugs, VPA is also considered effective in childhood epilepsies and infantile spasms. Due to its broad activity, VPA acts as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder and it is useful in migraine prophylaxis. Despite its long-standing usage, severe reactions to VPA, such as liver toxicity and teratogenicity, are reported. To circumvent side effects due to structural characteristics of VPA, we synthesized in good yield a new VPA-aminoacid conjugate, the N-valproyl-L-Phenylalanine, and characterized by FT-IR, MS, (13)C and (1)H- NMR analyses. The Log D(pH7.4) value (0.19) indicated that new molecule was potentially able to cross biological membranes. The resistance to chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis of N-valproyl-L-phenylalanine was also assessed. All trials suggested that the compound, at the pH conditions of the entire gastro-intestinal tract, remained unmodified. Furthermore, the new compound did not undergo enzymatic cleavage both in plasma and in cerebral medium up to 24 h. The toxicity assay on primary cultures of astrocytes indicated that the synthetized conjugate was less toxic than both free VPA and L-Phenylalanine. In this paper, the anticonvulsant activity of the new compound against epileptic burst discharges evoked in vitro in rat hippocampal slices was also evaluated. These preliminary results underline that N-valproyl-L-phenylalanine as new potential antiepileptic agent could represent a good candidate to further investigations.

Drugs in the treatment of tinnitus.

PubMed

Goodey, R J

1981-01-01

Many drugs and some foods can cause or aggravate tinnitus in some patients. These substances should be identified and withdrawn. Tinnitus may be improved by the treatment of associated conditions, infections, or hearing loss with appropriate drugs--hypotensives, antibiotics, vasodilators, fluoride or thyroxine. Intravenous lignocaine can temporarily reduce or abolish tinnitus in many patients but can aggravate existing tinnitus in some and may have no effect on others. Analogy with pain of central origin suggests that the beneficial effects of lignocaine (lidocaine) may be due to its anticonvulsant action. Lignocaine is used as a test to distinguish between different mechanisms of tinnitus and to predict responses to oral anticonvulsants. Dramatic responses with lignocaine are usually associated with cochlear hearing loss and often with comparable though less marked responses to oral anticonvulsants. Patients who do not benefit from lignocaine do not respond to oral anticonvulsants. The action of anticonvulsants is often potentiated by tricyclic antidepressants. The majority of patients who respond to lignocaine can also have their tinnitus effectively masked, as predicted, on a tinnitus synthesizer. A small proportion respond to masking and not to lignocaine and a small proportion to lignocaine and not to masking. Beneficial effects of masking and anticonvulsants are cumulative. Anticonvulsants may also produce subjective improvement in clarity, improved tolerance of hearing aids and increased masking benefit when a hearing aid is worn.

Comparison of the Intramuscular, Intranasal or Sublingual Routes of Midazolam Administration for the Control of Soman-Induced Seizures

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

23, 2008) Abstract: This study evaluated the anticonvulsant effectiveness of midazolam to stop seizures elicited by the nerve agent soman when...seizure activity that was detected in the electroencephalographic record. When given immediately after seizure onset, the anticonvulsant ED 50 of...that time. At the 40-min. treatment delay, the anticonvulsant ED 50 s of intramuscular or intranasal midazolam did not differ and both were

Fast and easy extraction combined with high resolution-mass spectrometry for residue analysis of two anticonvulsants and their transformation products in marine mussels.

PubMed

Martínez Bueno, M J; Boillot, C; Fenet, H; Chiron, S; Casellas, C; Gómez, E

2013-08-30

Environmental field studies have shown that carbamazepine (Cbz) is one of the most frequently detected human pharmaceuticals in different aquatic compartments. However, little data is available on the detection of this substance and its transformation products in aquatic organisms. This study was thus mainly carried out to optimize and validate a simple and sensitive analytical methodology for the detection, characterization and quantification of Cbz and oxcarbazepine (Ox), two anticonvulsants, and six of their main transformation products in marine mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). A modified QuEChERS extraction method followed by analysis with liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was used. The analyses were performed using two-stage fragmentation to reveal the different fragmentation pathways that are highly useful for the identification of isomeric compounds, a common problem when several transformation products are analyzed. The developed analytical method allowed determination of the target analytes in the lower ng/g concentration levels. The mean recovery ranged from 67 to 110%. The relative standard deviation was under 11% in the intra-day and 18% in the inter-day analyses, respectively. Finally, the method was applied to marine mussel samples collected from Mediterranean Sea cultures in southeastern France. Residues of the psychiatric drug Cbz were occasionally found at levels up to 3.5ng/g dw. Lastly, in this study, other non-target compounds, such as caffeine, metoprolol, cotinine and ketoprofen, were identified in the real samples analyzed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparative efficacy and safety of six antidepressants and anticonvulsants in painful diabetic neuropathy: a network meta-analysis.

PubMed

Rudroju, Neelima; Bansal, Dipika; Talakokkula, Shiva Teja; Gudala, Kapil; Hota, Debasish; Bhansali, Anil; Ghai, Babita

2013-01-01

Anticonvulsants and antidepressants are mostly used in management of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). However there are few direct comparisons between drugs of these classes, making evidence-based decision-making in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy difficult. This study aimed to perform a network meta-analysis and benefit-risk analysis to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of these drugs in PDN treatment. Comparative effectiveness study. Medical Education and Research facility in India. A comprehensive data search was done in PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase up to August 2012. We then systematically reviewed the studies which compared any of 6 drugs for the management of PDN: amitriptyline, duloxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin, valproate, and venlafaxine or any of their combinations. We performed a random-effects network meta-analysis to rank treatments in terms of efficacy and safety. We chose the number of patients experiencing = 50% reduction in pain and number of patient withdrawals due to adverse events (AE) as primary outcomes for efficacy and safety, respectively. We also performed benefit-risk analysis, taking efficacy outcome as benefit and safety outcome as risk. Analysis was intention-to-treat. We included 21 published trials in the analysis. Duloxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin, and venlafaxine were shown to be significantly efficacious compared to placebo with odds ratios (OR) of 2.12, 3.98, 2.78, and 4.43, respectively. Amitriptyline (OR: 7.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.87, 29.05) and duloxetine (OR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.04, 9.97) caused more withdrawals than gabapentin. The ranking order of efficacy was gabapentin, venlafaxine, pregabalin, duloxetine/gabapentin, duloxetine, amitriptyline, and placebo and the ranking order of safety was placebo, gabapentin, pregabalin, venlafaxine, duloxetine/gabapentin combination, duloxetine, and amitriptyline. Benefit-risk balance favored the order: gabapentin, venlafaxine, pregabalin, duloxetine

Evaluation of Anticonvulsant, Antidepressant-, and Anxiolytic-like Effects of an Aqueous Extract from Cultured Mycelia of the Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Higher Basidiomycetes) in Mice.

PubMed

Socala, Katarzyna; Nieoczym, Dorota; Grzywnowicz, Krzysztof; Stefaniuk, Dawid; Wlaz, Piotr

2015-01-01

Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom with a long history of use. This study was designed to assess the anticonvulsant potential of an aqueous extract from cultured G. lucidum mycelium in 3 acute seizure models: timed intravenous pentylenetetrazole infusion, maximal electroshock seizure threshold, and 6-Hz-induced psychomotor seizure tests in mice. Moreover, antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of G. lucidum were evaluated using the forced swim test and the elevated plus maze test in mice, respectively. No changes in seizure thresholds in the intravenous pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock seizure threshold tests after acute treatment with G. lucidum extract (200-600 mg/kg) was observed. However, the studied extract (100-400 mg/kg) significantly increased the threshold for psychomotor seizures in the 6-Hz seizure test. In the forced swim test, G. lucidum (100-400 mg/kg) significantly reduced the duration of immobility. No anxiolytic-like or sedative effects were reported in mice pretreated with the extract (400-600 mg/kg). G. lucidum extract (50-2400 mg/kg) did not produce toxic effects in the chimney test (motor coordination) or grip-strength test (neuromuscular strength). Further studies are required to explain the neuropharmacological effects of G. lucidum and to identify its active ingredients that may affect seizure threshold, mood, or anxiety.

Vitamin D Levels in Children and Adolescents with Antiepileptic Drug Treatment

PubMed Central

Baek, Jung-Hyun; Seo, Young-Ho; Kim, Gun-Ha; Kim, Mi-Kyung

2014-01-01

Purpose This study was to evaluate the relationship of 25(OH)D3 levels with anticonvulsant use and other possible factors in epileptic children and adolescents. Materials and Methods We studied 143 patients with epilepsy (90 boys, 53 girls; 11.21±4.49 years), who had been treated with anticonvulsants for more than 1 year. Patients who had taken multiple vitamins before the blood test and those who have the limitation of physical activity (wheelchair-bound) were excluded from the study. We evaluated the difference in vitamin D status according to the type and number of anticonvulsants taken and other factors such as gender, age, intelligence and seizure variables. Results For patients with mental retardation or developmental delay, 25(OH)D3 levels were lower than the levels in patients with normal intelligence quotient levels (p=0.03). 25(OH)D3 levels were lower in patients who had taken anticonvulsants for more than 2 years as compared to those who had taken them for less than 2 years (p=0.03). Those taking oxcarbazepine had significantly lower vitamin D levels than patients taking valproic acid (p=0.01). However, no effects of number of anticonvulsants taken were detectable. More than two-thirds of the patients were diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis in patients showing either vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Conclusion The possibility of vitamin D deficiency can be considered in pediatric patients taking anticonvulsants if they have mental retardation or developmental delay or if they have been taking anticonvulsants for more than 2 years or taking hepatic enzyme inducing drugs. PMID:24532512

Valerenic acid and Valeriana officinalis extracts delay onset of Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-Induced seizures in adult Danio rerio (Zebrafish).

PubMed

Torres-Hernández, Bianca A; Del Valle-Mojica, Lisa M; Ortíz, José G

2015-07-14

Anticonvulsant properties have been attributed to extracts of the herbal medicine Valeriana officinalis. Our aims were to examine the anticonvulsant properties of valerenic acid and valerian extracts and to determine whether valerian preparations interact with the activity of other anti-epileptic drugs (phenytoin or clonazepam). To achieve these goals, we validated the adult zebrafish, Danio rerio, as an animal model for studying anticonvulsant drugs. All drug treatments were administered by immersion in water containing the drug. For assays of anticonvulsant activity, zebrafish were pretreated with: anti-epileptic drugs, valerenic acid, aqueous or ethanolic valerian extracts, or mixtures (phenytoin or clonazepam with valerenic acid or valerian extracts). Seizures were then induced with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). A behavioral scale was developed for scoring PTZ-induced seizures in adult zebrafish. The seizure latency was evaluated for all pretreatments and control, untreated fish. Valerenic acid and both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of valerian root were also evaluated for their ability to improve survival after pentylenetetrazole-challenge. The assay was validated by comparison with well-studied anticonvulsant drugs (phenytoin, clonazepam, gabapentin and valproate). One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post-hoc test was performed, using a p < 0.05 level of significance. All treatments were compared with the untreated animals and with the other pretreatments. After exposure to pentylenetetrazole, zebrafish exhibited a series of stereotypical behaviors prior to the appearance of clonic-like movements--convulsions. Both valerenic acid and valerian extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) significantly extended the latency period to the onset of seizure (convulsion) in adult zebrafish. The ethanolic valerian extract was a more potent anticonvulsant than the aqueous extract. Valerenic acid and both valerian extracts interacted synergistically with clonazepam to extended the

Ethosuximide

MedlinePlus

... Ethosuximide is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in ... older (about 1 in 500 people) who took anticonvulsants such as ethosuximide to treat various conditions during ...

Methsuximide

MedlinePlus

... Methsuximide is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in ... older (about 1 in 500 people) who took anticonvulsants such as methsuximide to treat various conditions during ...

Trimethadione

MedlinePlus

... Trimethadione is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in ... older (about 1 in 500 people) who took anticonvulsants such as trimethadione to treat various conditions during ...

Intended and unintended consequences of the gabapentin off-label marketing lawsuit among patients with bipolar disorder.

PubMed

Chace, Meredith J; Zhang, Fang; Fullerton, Catherine A; Huskamp, Haiden A; Gilden, Daniel; Soumerai, Stephen B

2012-11-01

The number of lawsuits accusing pharmaceutical companies of off-label marketing has risen in recent years. The impact of such lawsuits on drug prescribing and spending has not been examined. We evaluated a nationwide sample to determine whether the $430 million gabapentin off-label marketing lawsuit and accompanying media coverage affected gabapentin market share, substitution of other scientifically substantiated and unsubstantiated anticonvulsants, and anticonvulsant spending of Medicare/Medicaid patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Using a national 5% sample of Medicare recipients linked to Medicaid claims, we used an interrupted times series design to evaluate the impact of the lawsuit on monthly market share, utilization, and spending from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2005. The start of the lawsuit was associated with a 28% relative reduction in gabapentin market share (from ∼ 21% to ∼ 15%) and a reduction in the rate of prescribing from 108 prescriptions per 1,000 patients per month before the start of the lawsuit to 90 by the end of follow-up (P < .001). We also observed increases in market share for 3 other anticonvulsants. Total anticonvulsant use and spending per 1,000 patients increased by 13% and 74%, respectively, after the intervention. The increase in anticonvulsant spending was equivalent to $7,554 per 1,000 patients per year higher than expected compared with the baseline trend (P = .01). We conclude that the lawsuit resulted in a reduction in gabapentin market share, increased market share for other anticonvulsants, and substantially increased total anticonvulsant spending to approximately half of the settlement amount, not counting substitutions of newer drugs for other illnesses affected by the lawsuit. These findings support the need for further study of the effects of current lawsuits regarding off-label drug marketing. © Copyright 2012 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.

Prevalence of treated epilepsy in Korea based on national health insurance data.

PubMed

Lee, Seo-Young; Jung, Ki-Young; Lee, Il Keun; Yi, Sang Do; Cho, Yong Won; Kim, Dong Wook; Hwang, Seung-Sik; Kim, Sejin

2012-03-01

The Korean national health security system covers the entire population and all medical facilities. We aimed to estimate epilepsy prevalence, anticonvulsant utilization pattern and the cost. We identified prevalent epilepsy patients by the prescription of anticonvulsants under the diagnostic codes suggesting seizure or epilepsy from 2007 Korean National Health Insurance databases. The information of demography, residential area, the kind of medical security service reflecting economic status, anticonvulsants, and the costs was extracted. The overall prevalence of treated epilepsy patients was 2.41/1,000, and higher for men than women. The age-specific prevalence was the lowest in those in their thirties and forties. Epilepsy was more prevalent among lower-income individuals receiving medical aid. The regional prevalence was the highest in Jeju Island and lowest in Ulsan city. New anticonvulsants were more frequently used than old anticonvulsants in the younger age group. The total annual cost of epilepsy or seizure reached 0.46% of total medical expenditure and 0.27% of total expenditure on health. This is the first nationwide epidemiological report issued on epilepsy in Korea. Epilepsy prevalence in Korea is comparable to those in developed countries. Economic status and geography affect the prevalence of epilepsy.

ABC transporters P-gp and Bcrp do not limit the brain uptake of the novel antipsychotic and anticonvulsant drug cannabidiol in mice

PubMed Central

Brzozowska, Natalia; Li, Kong M.; Wang, Xiao Suo; Booth, Jessica; Stuart, Jordyn; McGregor, Iain S.

2016-01-01

Cannabidiol (CBD) is currently being investigated as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of CNS disorders like schizophrenia and epilepsy. ABC transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) mediate pharmacoresistance in these disorders. P-gp and Bcrp are expressed at the blood brain barrier (BBB) and reduce the brain uptake of substrate drugs including various antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. It is therefore important to assess whether CBD is prone to treatment resistance mediated by P-gp and Bcrp. Moreover, it has become common practice in the drug development of CNS agents to screen against ABC transporters to help isolate lead compounds with optimal pharmacokinetic properties. The current study aimed to assess whether P-gp and Bcrp impacts the brain transport of CBD by comparing CBD tissue concentrations in wild-type (WT) mice versus mice devoid of ABC transporter genes. P-gp knockout (Abcb1a/b−∕−), Bcrp knockout (Abcg2−∕−), combined P-gp/Bcrp knockout (Abcb1a/b−∕−Abcg2−∕−) and WT mice were injected with CBD, before brain and plasma samples were collected at various time-points. CBD results were compared with the positive control risperidone and 9-hydroxy risperidone, antipsychotic drugs that are established ABC transporter substrates. Brain and plasma concentrations of CBD were not greater in P-gp, Bcrp or P-gp/Bcrp knockout mice than WT mice. In comparison, the brain/plasma concentration ratios of risperidone and 9-hydroxy risperidone were profoundly higher in P-gp knockout mice than WT mice. These results suggest that CBD is not a substrate of P-gp or Bcrp and may be free from the complication of reduced brain uptake by these transporters. Such findings provide favorable evidence for the therapeutic development of CBD in the treatment of various CNS disorders. PMID:27257556

ABC transporters P-gp and Bcrp do not limit the brain uptake of the novel antipsychotic and anticonvulsant drug cannabidiol in mice.

PubMed

Brzozowska, Natalia; Li, Kong M; Wang, Xiao Suo; Booth, Jessica; Stuart, Jordyn; McGregor, Iain S; Arnold, Jonathon C

2016-01-01

Cannabidiol (CBD) is currently being investigated as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of CNS disorders like schizophrenia and epilepsy. ABC transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) mediate pharmacoresistance in these disorders. P-gp and Bcrp are expressed at the blood brain barrier (BBB) and reduce the brain uptake of substrate drugs including various antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. It is therefore important to assess whether CBD is prone to treatment resistance mediated by P-gp and Bcrp. Moreover, it has become common practice in the drug development of CNS agents to screen against ABC transporters to help isolate lead compounds with optimal pharmacokinetic properties. The current study aimed to assess whether P-gp and Bcrp impacts the brain transport of CBD by comparing CBD tissue concentrations in wild-type (WT) mice versus mice devoid of ABC transporter genes. P-gp knockout (Abcb1a/b (-∕-)), Bcrp knockout (Abcg2 (-∕-)), combined P-gp/Bcrp knockout (Abcb1a/b (-∕-) Abcg2 (-∕-)) and WT mice were injected with CBD, before brain and plasma samples were collected at various time-points. CBD results were compared with the positive control risperidone and 9-hydroxy risperidone, antipsychotic drugs that are established ABC transporter substrates. Brain and plasma concentrations of CBD were not greater in P-gp, Bcrp or P-gp/Bcrp knockout mice than WT mice. In comparison, the brain/plasma concentration ratios of risperidone and 9-hydroxy risperidone were profoundly higher in P-gp knockout mice than WT mice. These results suggest that CBD is not a substrate of P-gp or Bcrp and may be free from the complication of reduced brain uptake by these transporters. Such findings provide favorable evidence for the therapeutic development of CBD in the treatment of various CNS disorders.

Drugs in Mental Retardation: Treatment or Tragedy?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aman, Michael G.

1985-01-01

Treatment of mentally retarded persons with psychotropic and anticonvulsant drugs is discussed in terms of drug classification, rationale for use, attitudes toward use, and clinical research findings. The literature on neuroleptic, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and cerebral stimulant drugs is summarized. Controversial reports that some medications…

Pharmacodynamics and common drug-drug interactions of the third-generation antiepileptic drugs.

PubMed

Stefanović, Srđan; Janković, Slobodan M; Novaković, Milan; Milosavljević, Marko; Folić, Marko

2018-02-01

Anticonvulsants that belong to the third generation are considered as 'newer' antiepileptic drugs, including: eslicarbazepine acetate, lacosamide, perampanel, brivaracetam, rufinamide and stiripentol. Areas covered: This article reviews pharmacodynamics (i.e. mechanisms of action) and clinically relevant drug-drug interactions of the third-generation antiepileptic drugs. Expert opinion: Newer antiepileptic drugs have mechanisms of action which are not shared with the first and the second generation anticonvulsants, like inhibition of neurotransmitters release, blocking receptors for excitatory amino acids and new ways of sodium channel inactivation. New mechanisms of action increase chances of controlling forms of epilepsy resistant to older anticonvulsants. Important advantage of the third-generation anticonvulsants could be their little propensity for interactions with both antiepileptic and other drugs observed until now, making prescribing much easier and safer. However, this may change with new studies specifically designed to discover drug-drug interactions. Although the third-generation antiepileptic drugs enlarged therapeutic palette against epilepsy, 20-30% of patients with epilepsy is still treatment-resistant and need new pharmacological approach. There is great need to explore all molecular targets that may directly or indirectly be involved in generation of seizures, so a number of candidate compounds for even newer anticonvulsants could be generated.

Prevalence of Psychoactive Drug Use among North Dakota Group Home Residents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burd, Larry; And Others

1991-01-01

A survey of 809 persons with mental retardation residing in community settings in North Dakota found that 37 percent were using psychoactive medications. Excluding anticonvulsant medications, only 18 percent were receiving psychoactive medications. A total of 37 percent of the individuals receiving medications other than anticonvulsants did not…

Effect of age and anticonvulsants on seizure threshold during bilateral electroconvulsive therapy with brief-pulse stimulus: A chart-based analysis

PubMed Central

Nitturkar, Abhishek R.; Sinha, Preeti; Bagewadi, Virupakshappa I.; Thirthalli, Jagadisha

2016-01-01

Background: Efficacy and adverse effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) depend on the extent to which the electrical stimulus exceeds patients' seizure thresholds (STs). Titration method of estimating ST is recommended. Age and co-prescribed anticonvulsants (ACs) are known to affect ST. Literature on ST in bilateral ECT (BLECT) is sparse. Objective: To explore the clinical and demographic determinants of ST in a clinically representative sample of patients prescribed with BLECT. Materials and Methods: ECT records of 640 patients who received BLECT in 2011 in an academic psychiatric setting were studied. Demographic, clinical, pharmacological, and ECT details were analyzed. As per the standard practice, during the 1st ECT session, ST was determined by titration method, starting with 30 milli-Coulombs (mC) and increasing by 30 mC and thence in steps of 60 mC. Increase in ST over up to 6th session of ECT was noted. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to find age cut-off with high specificity for ST ≥120 mC. The associations of ST and increase in ST with the age cut-off and other clinical factors were assessed using Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean age was 30.98 years (+11.23 years) and mean ST at 1st ECT session was 130.36 mC (+51.96 mC). There was significantly high positive correlation (r = 0.37, P < 0.001) between age and ST. Cut-off age of 45 years had high specificity: Only 4.6% of those older than 45 years had ST <120 mC. Higher proportion of patients on AC had ST ≥120 mC. These associations were seen even after controlling for potential confounds of each other using logistic regression analysis. The results were similar for increase in ST over the course of ECT. Sex, diagnosis, use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, lithium, and benzodiazepines (BZPs) had no effect on ST or its increase. Conclusions: For BLECT using brief-pulse stimulus, ST depends on age and use of AC. For patients above the age of 45

Effect of age and anticonvulsants on seizure threshold during bilateral electroconvulsive therapy with brief-pulse stimulus: A chart-based analysis.

PubMed

Nitturkar, Abhishek R; Sinha, Preeti; Bagewadi, Virupakshappa I; Thirthalli, Jagadisha

2016-01-01

Efficacy and adverse effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) depend on the extent to which the electrical stimulus exceeds patients' seizure thresholds (STs). Titration method of estimating ST is recommended. Age and co-prescribed anticonvulsants (ACs) are known to affect ST. Literature on ST in bilateral ECT (BLECT) is sparse. To explore the clinical and demographic determinants of ST in a clinically representative sample of patients prescribed with BLECT. ECT records of 640 patients who received BLECT in 2011 in an academic psychiatric setting were studied. Demographic, clinical, pharmacological, and ECT details were analyzed. As per the standard practice, during the 1(st) ECT session, ST was determined by titration method, starting with 30 milli-Coulombs (mC) and increasing by 30 mC and thence in steps of 60 mC. Increase in ST over up to 6(th) session of ECT was noted. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to find age cut-off with high specificity for ST ≥120 mC. The associations of ST and increase in ST with the age cut-off and other clinical factors were assessed using Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. The mean age was 30.98 years (+11.23 years) and mean ST at 1(st) ECT session was 130.36 mC (+51.96 mC). There was significantly high positive correlation (r = 0.37, P < 0.001) between age and ST. Cut-off age of 45 years had high specificity: Only 4.6% of those older than 45 years had ST <120 mC. Higher proportion of patients on AC had ST ≥120 mC. These associations were seen even after controlling for potential confounds of each other using logistic regression analysis. The results were similar for increase in ST over the course of ECT. Sex, diagnosis, use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, lithium, and benzodiazepines (BZPs) had no effect on ST or its increase. For BLECT using brief-pulse stimulus, ST depends on age and use of AC. For patients above the age of 45 years, ST estimation may be started at 120 mC with least risk of

At clinically relevant concentrations the anaesthetic/amnesic thiopental but not the anticonvulsant phenobarbital interferes with hippocampal sharp wave-ripple complexes

PubMed Central

Papatheodoropoulos, Costas; Sotiriou, Evangelos; Kotzadimitriou, Dimitrios; Drimala, Panagiota

2007-01-01

Background Many sedative agents, including anesthetics, produce explicit memory impairment by largely unknown mechanisms. Sharp-wave ripple (SPW-R) complexes are network activity thought to represent the neuronal substrate for information transfer from the hippocampal to neocortical circuits, contributing to the explicit memory consolidation. In this study we examined and compared the actions of two barbiturates with distinct amnesic actions, the general anesthetic thiopental and the anticonvulsant phenobarbital, on in vitro SPW-R activity. Results Using an in vitro model of SPW-R activity we found that thiopental (50–200 μM) significantly and concentration-dependently reduced the incidence of SPW-R events (it increased the inter-event period by 70–430 %). At the concentration of 25 μM, which clinically produces mild sedation and explicit memory impairment, thiopental significantly reduced the quantity of ripple oscillation (it reduced the number of ripples and the duration of ripple episodes by 20 ± 5%, n = 12, P < 0.01), and suppressed the rhythmicity of SPWs by 43 ± 15% (n = 6, P < 0.05). The drug disrupted the synchrony of SPWs within the CA1 region at 50 μM (by 19 ± 12%; n = 5, P < 0.05). Similar effects of thiopental were observed at higher concentrations. Thiopental did not affect the frequency of ripple oscillation at any of the concentrations tested (10–200 μM). Furthermore, the drug significantly prolonged single SPWs at concentrations ≥50 μM (it increased the half-width and the duration of SPWs by 35–90 %). Thiopental did not affect evoked excitatory synaptic potentials and its results on SPW-R complexes were also observed under blockade of NMDA receptors. Phenobarbital significantly accelerated SPWs at 50 and 100 μM whereas it reduced their rate at 200 and 400 μM. Furthermore, it significantly prolonged SPWs, reduced their synchrony and reduced the quantity of ripples only at the clinically very high concentration of 400 �

Post-traumatic seizure disorder following acquired brain injury.

PubMed

Teasell, Robert; Bayona, Nestor; Lippert, Corbin; Villamere, James; Hellings, Chelsea

2007-02-01

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic anticonvulsant pharmacological strategies for the prevention of seizure disorders following acquired brain injury (ABI) to provide guidance for clinical practice based on the best available evidence. A systematic review of the literature from 1980-2005 was conducted focusing on treatment interventions available for post-traumatic seizures following ABI. The evidence for the efficacy of a given intervention was ranked as strong (supported by at least two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), moderate (supported by a single RCT), or limited (supported by other types of studies in the absence of RCTs). Based on a previous meta-analysis and the findings of this review, there is strong evidence that prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy decreases the occurrence of early seizures but only within the first week post-injury. Moreover, the evidence indicates that prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy does not decrease the incidence of seizure onset more than one week post-injury. In children, there is moderate evidence that prophylactic phenytoin does not reduce the incidence of early or late seizures. The efficacy of anticonvulsants after the development of seizures has not been specifically studied in ABI. Prophylactic anti-convulsants are effective in reducing seizures in the first week post-injury in adults. However, they do not reduce the occurrence of seizures after the first week.

Involvement of nitrergic system in anticonvulsant effect of zolpidem in lithium-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus: Evaluation of iNOS and COX-2 genes expression.

PubMed

Eslami, Seyyed Majid; Ghasemi, Maryam; Bahremand, Taraneh; Momeny, Majid; Gholami, Mahdi; Sharifzadeh, Mohammad; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2017-11-15

This study aims to investigate the role of zolpidem in lithium-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus (SE) and probable mechanisms involved in seizure threshold alteration. In the present study, lithium chloride (127mg/kg) was administered 20h prior to pilocarpine (60mg/kg) to induce SE in adult male Wistar rats. Different doses of zolpidem (0.1, 1, 2, 5, 10mg/kg) were injected 30min before pilocarpine administration. Furthermore, to find out whether nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in the observed effect, L-arginine and L-NAME were injected 15min before zolpidem. Afterward, we identified the particular NO isoform mediating the effect of zolpidem by injecting aminoguanidine (AG) and 7-Nitroindazole (7-NI) 15min prior to zolpidem. Moreover, in both 6 and 24h after pilocarpine injection, experimental groups underwent hippocampectomy to evaluate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes expression by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Pre-treatment with zolpidem significantly prevented the onset of SE in a dose-dependent manner. AG and L-NAME significantly potentiated the anticonvulsant effect of zolpidem while L-arginine inverted this effect. Our qRT-PCR exerted that there was a continuous elevation of iNOS and COX-2 genes expression over 6 and 24h after pilocarpine administration in SE and L-arginine+Zolpidem groups while in AG/L-NAME+Zolpidem and zolpidem groups this upregulation was prevented. Our study indicates that zolpidem prevents the onset of SE through inhibition of iNOS/COX-2 genes upregulation following lithium-pilocarpine administration. Consistent with our results, we suggest that iNOS activation could be probably upstream of COX-2 gene expression. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the long-term behavioral effects of neonatal exposure to retigabine or phenobarbital in rats.

PubMed

Frankel, Sari; Medvedeva, Natalia; Gutherz, Samuel; Kulick, Catherine; Kondratyev, Alexei; Forcelli, Patrick A

2016-04-01

Anticonvulsant drugs, when given during vulnerable periods of brain development, can have long-lasting consequences on nervous system function. In rats, the second postnatal week approximately corresponds to the late third trimester of gestation/early infancy in humans. Exposure to phenobarbital during this period has been associated with deficits in learning and memory, anxiety-like behavior, and social behavior, among other domains. Phenobarbital is the most common anticonvulsant drug used in neonatology. Several other drugs, such as lamotrigine, phenytoin, and clonazepam, have also been reported to trigger behavioral changes. A new generation anticonvulsant drug, retigabine, has not previously been evaluated for long-term effects on behavior. Retigabine acts as an activator of KCNQ channels, a mechanism that is unique among anticonvulsants. Here, we examined the effects retigabine exposure from postnatal day (P)7 to P14 on behavior in adult rats. We compared these effects with those produced by phenobarbital (as a positive control) and saline (as a negative control). Motor behavior was assessed by using the open field and rotarod, anxiety-like behavior by the open field, elevated plus maze, and light-dark transition task, and learning/memory by the passive avoidance task; social interactions were assessed in same-treatment pairs, and nociceptive sensitivity was assessed via the tail-flick assay. Motor behavior was unaltered by exposure to either drug. We found that retigabine exposure and phenobarbital exposure both induced increased anxiety-like behavior in adult animals. Phenobarbital, but not retigabine, exposure impaired learning and memory. These drugs also differed in their effects on social behavior, with retigabine-exposed animals displaying greater social interaction than phenobarbital-exposed animals. These results indicate that neonatal retigabine induces a subset of behavioral alterations previously described for other anticonvulsant drugs and extend

Comparison of the long-term behavioral effects of neonatal exposure to retigabine or phenobarbital in rats

PubMed Central

Frankel, Sari; Medvedeva, Natalia; Gutherz, Samuel; Kulick, Catherine; Kondratyev, Alexei; Forcelli, Patrick A.

2016-01-01

Anticonvulsant drugs, when given during vulnerable periods of brain development, can have long-lasting consequences on nervous system function. In rats, the second postnatal week approximately corresponds to the late third trimester of gestation/early infancy in humans. Exposure to phenobarbital during this period has been associated with deficits in learning and memory, anxiety-like behavior, and social behavior, among other domains. Phenobarbital is the most common anticonvulsant drug used in neonatology. Several other drugs, such as lamotrigine, phenytoin, and clonazepam have also been reported to trigger behavioral changes. A new generation anticonvulsant drug, retigabine, has not previously been evaluated for long-term effects on behavior. Retigabine acts as an activator of KCNQ channels, a mechanism that is unique among anticonvulsants. Here, we examined the effects retigabine exposure from postnatal day (P)7 to P14 on behavior in adult rats. We compared these effects to those produced by phenobarbital (as a positive control) and saline (as a negative control). Motor behavior was assessed using the open field and rotarod, anxiety-like behavior by the open field, elevated plus maze, and light-dark transition task, and learning/memory by the passive avoidance task; social interactions were assessed in same-treatment pairs and nociceptive sensitivity was assessed via the tail-flick assay. Motor behavior was unaltered by exposure to either drug. We found that retigabine and phenobarbital exposure both induced increased anxiety-like behavior in adult animals. Phenobarbital, but not retigabine exposure impaired learning and memory. These drugs also differed in their effects on social behavior, with retigabine-exposed animals displaying greater social interaction than phenobarbital-exposed animals. These results indicate that neonatal retigabine induces a subset of behavioral alterations previously described for other anticonvulsant drugs, and extend our knowledge

Lowered quality of life in mood disorders is associated with increased neuro-oxidative stress and basal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and use of anticonvulsant mood stabilizers.

PubMed

Nunes, Caroline Sampaio; Maes, Michael; Roomruangwong, Chutima; Moraes, Juliana Brum; Bonifacio, Kamila Landucci; Vargas, Heber Odebrecht; Barbosa, Decio Sabbatini; Anderson, George; de Melo, Luiz Gustavo Piccoli; Drozdstoj, Stoyanov; Moreira, Estefania; Carvalho, André F; Nunes, Sandra Odebrecht Vargas

2018-04-17

Major affective disorders including bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Oxidative stress and subtle thyroid abnormalities may play a pathophysiological role in both disorders. Thus, the current study was performed to examine whether neuro-oxidative biomarkers and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels could predict HRQoL in BD and MDD. This cross-sectional study enrolled 68 BD and 37 MDD patients and 66 healthy controls. The World Health Organization (WHO) QoL-BREF scale was used to assess 4 QoL subdomains. Peripheral blood malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products, paraoxonaxe/CMPAase activity, a composite index of nitro-oxidative stress, and basal TSH were measured. In the total WHOQoL score, 17.3% of the variance was explained by increased advanced oxidation protein products and TSH levels and lowered CMPAase activity and male gender. Physical HRQoL (14.4%) was associated with increased MDA and TSH levels and lowered CMPAase activity. Social relations HRQoL (17.4%) was predicted by higher nitro-oxidative index and TSH values, while mental and environment HRQoL were independently predicted by CMPAase activity. Finally, 73.0% of the variance in total HRQoL was explained by severity of depressive symptoms, use of anticonvulsants, lower income, early lifetime emotional neglect, MDA levels, the presence of mood disorders, and suicidal ideation. These data show that lowered HRQoL in major affective disorders could at least in part result from the effects of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, lowered antioxidant enzyme activities, and higher levels of TSH. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Insights from zebrafish and mouse models on the activity and safety of ar-turmerone as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of epilepsy.

PubMed

Orellana-Paucar, Adriana Monserrath; Afrikanova, Tatiana; Thomas, Joice; Aibuldinov, Yelaman K; Dehaen, Wim; de Witte, Peter A M; Esguerra, Camila V

2013-01-01

In a previous study, we uncovered the anticonvulsant properties of turmeric oil and its sesquiterpenoids (ar-turmerone, α-, β-turmerone and α-atlantone) in both zebrafish and mouse models of chemically-induced seizures using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). In this follow-up study, we aimed at evaluating the anticonvulsant activity of ar-turmerone further. A more in-depth anticonvulsant evaluation of ar-turmerone was therefore carried out in the i.v. PTZ and 6-Hz mouse models. The potential toxic effects of ar-turmerone were evaluated using the beam walking test to assess mouse motor function and balance. In addition, determination of the concentration-time profile of ar-turmerone was carried out for a more extended evaluation of its bioavailability in the mouse brain. Ar-turmerone displayed anticonvulsant properties in both acute seizure models in mice and modulated the expression patterns of two seizure-related genes (c-fos and brain-derived neurotrophic factor [bdnf]) in zebrafish. Importantly, no effects on motor function and balance were observed in mice after treatment with ar-turmerone even after administering a dose 500-fold higher than the effective dose in the 6-Hz model. In addition, quantification of its concentration in mouse brains revealed rapid absorption after i.p. administration, capacity to cross the BBB and long-term brain residence. Hence, our results provide additional information on the anticonvulsant properties of ar-turmerone and support further evaluation towards elucidating its mechanism of action, bioavailability, toxicity and potential clinical application.

Insights from Zebrafish and Mouse Models on the Activity and Safety of Ar-Turmerone as a Potential Drug Candidate for the Treatment of Epilepsy

PubMed Central

Orellana-Paucar, Adriana Monserrath; Afrikanova, Tatiana; Thomas, Joice; Aibuldinov, Yelaman K.; Dehaen, Wim; de Witte, Peter A. M.; Esguerra, Camila V.

2013-01-01

In a previous study, we uncovered the anticonvulsant properties of turmeric oil and its sesquiterpenoids (ar-turmerone, α-, β-turmerone and α-atlantone) in both zebrafish and mouse models of chemically-induced seizures using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). In this follow-up study, we aimed at evaluating the anticonvulsant activity of ar-turmerone further. A more in-depth anticonvulsant evaluation of ar-turmerone was therefore carried out in the i.v. PTZ and 6-Hz mouse models. The potential toxic effects of ar-turmerone were evaluated using the beam walking test to assess mouse motor function and balance. In addition, determination of the concentration-time profile of ar-turmerone was carried out for a more extended evaluation of its bioavailability in the mouse brain. Ar-turmerone displayed anticonvulsant properties in both acute seizure models in mice and modulated the expression patterns of two seizure-related genes (c-fos and brain-derived neurotrophic factor [bdnf]) in zebrafish. Importantly, no effects on motor function and balance were observed in mice after treatment with ar-turmerone even after administering a dose 500-fold higher than the effective dose in the 6-Hz model. In addition, quantification of its concentration in mouse brains revealed rapid absorption after i.p. administration, capacity to cross the BBB and long-term brain residence. Hence, our results provide additional information on the anticonvulsant properties of ar-turmerone and support further evaluation towards elucidating its mechanism of action, bioavailability, toxicity and potential clinical application. PMID:24349101

Variation in adverse drug reactions listed in product information for antidepressants and anticonvulsants, between the USA and Europe: a comparison review of paired regulatory documents

PubMed Central

Cornelius, Victoria R; Liu, Kun; Peacock, Janet; Sauzet, Odile

2016-01-01

Objective To compare consistency of adverse drug reaction (ADR) data in publicly available product information documents for brand drugs, between the USA and Europe. To assess the usefulness of information for prescribers and patients. Design A comparison review of product information documents for antidepressants and anticonvulsants concurrently marketed by the same pharmaceutical company in the USA and Europe. Setting For each drug, data were extracted from the US Product Inserts and the European Summary of Product Characteristics documents between 09/2013 and 01/2015. Participants Individuals contributing ADR information to product information documents. Main outcomes measures All ADRs reported in product information sections 5 and 6 (USA), and 4·4 and 4·8 (Europe). Results Twelve brand drugs—24 paired documents—were included. On average, there were 77 more ADRs reported in the USA compared with in the European product information document, with a median number of 201 ADRs (range: 65–425) and 114 (range: 56–265), respectively. More product information documents in the USA reported information on the source of evidence (10 vs 5) and risk (9 vs 5) for greater than 80% of ADRs included in the document. There was negligible information included regarding duration, severity, reversibility or recurrence of ADRs. On average, only 29% of ADR terms were reported in both paired documents. Conclusions Product information documents contained a large number of ADRs, but lacked contextual data and information important to patients and prescribers, such as duration, severity and reversibility. The ADR profile was found to be inconsistently reported between the USA and Europe, for the same drug. Identifying, selecting, summarising and presenting multidimensional harm data should be underpinned by practical evidence-based guidelines. In order for prescribers to provide considered risk-benefit advice across competing drug therapies to patients, they need access to

The Absence of CYP3A5*3 Is a Protective Factor to Anticonvulsants Hypersensitivity Reactions: A Case-Control Study in Brazilian Subjects

PubMed Central

dos Santos, Bernardo; Talib, Leda Leme; Yamaguti, Célia; Rodrigues, Helcio; Gattaz, Wagner Farid; Kalil, Jorge

2015-01-01

Although aromatic anticonvulsants are usually well tolerated, they can cause cutaneous adverse drug reactions in up to 10% of patients. The clinical manifestations of the antiepileptics-induced hypersensitivity reactions (AHR) vary from mild skin rashes to severe cutaneous drug adverse reactions which are related to high mortality and significant morbidity. Genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 genes are associated with altered enzymatic activity and may contribute to the risk of AHR. Here we present a case-control study in which we genotyped SNPs of CYP2C19, 2C9 and 3A5 of 55 individuals with varying severities of AHR, 83 tolerant, and 366 healthy control subjects from São Paulo, Brazil. Clinical characterization was based on standardized scoring systems and drug patch test. All in vivo investigation followed the ENDA (European Network of Drug Allergy) recommendations. Genotype was determined by real time PCR using peripheral blood DNA as a template. Of all 504 subjects, 65% were females, 45% self-identified as Afro-American, 38% as Caucasian and 17% as having non-African mixed ascendancy. Amongst 55 subjects with AHR, 44 had severe cutaneous drug adverse reactions. Of the 46 drug patch tests performed, 29 (63%) were positive. We found a strong association between the absence of CYP3A5*3 and tolerant subjects when compared to AHR (p = 0.0002, OR = 5.28 [CI95% 2.09–14.84]). None of our groups presented positive association with CYP2C19 and 2C9 polymorphisms, however, both SNPs contributed to separation of cases and tolerants in a Classification and Regression Tree. Our findings indicate that drug metabolism genes can contribute in the tolerability of antiepileptics. CYP3A5*3 is the most prevalent CYP3A5 allele associated with reduced enzymatic function. The current study provides evidence that normal CYP3A5 activity might be a protective factor to aromatic antiepileptics-induced hypersensitivity reactions in Brazilian subjects. PMID:26291084

The Absence of CYP3A5*3 Is a Protective Factor to Anticonvulsants Hypersensitivity Reactions: A Case-Control Study in Brazilian Subjects.

PubMed

Tanno, Luciana Kase; Kerr, Daniel Shikanai; dos Santos, Bernardo; Talib, Leda Leme; Yamaguti, Célia; Rodrigues, Helcio; Gattaz, Wagner Farid; Kalil, Jorge

2015-01-01

Although aromatic anticonvulsants are usually well tolerated, they can cause cutaneous adverse drug reactions in up to 10% of patients. The clinical manifestations of the antiepileptics-induced hypersensitivity reactions (AHR) vary from mild skin rashes to severe cutaneous drug adverse reactions which are related to high mortality and significant morbidity. Genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 genes are associated with altered enzymatic activity and may contribute to the risk of AHR. Here we present a case-control study in which we genotyped SNPs of CYP2C19, 2C9 and 3A5 of 55 individuals with varying severities of AHR, 83 tolerant, and 366 healthy control subjects from São Paulo, Brazil. Clinical characterization was based on standardized scoring systems and drug patch test. All in vivo investigation followed the ENDA (European Network of Drug Allergy) recommendations. Genotype was determined by real time PCR using peripheral blood DNA as a template. Of all 504 subjects, 65% were females, 45% self-identified as Afro-American, 38% as Caucasian and 17% as having non-African mixed ascendancy. Amongst 55 subjects with AHR, 44 had severe cutaneous drug adverse reactions. Of the 46 drug patch tests performed, 29 (63%) were positive. We found a strong association between the absence of CYP3A5*3 and tolerant subjects when compared to AHR (p = 0.0002, OR = 5.28 [CI95% 2.09-14.84]). None of our groups presented positive association with CYP2C19 and 2C9 polymorphisms, however, both SNPs contributed to separation of cases and tolerants in a Classification and Regression Tree. Our findings indicate that drug metabolism genes can contribute in the tolerability of antiepileptics. CYP3A5*3 is the most prevalent CYP3A5 allele associated with reduced enzymatic function. The current study provides evidence that normal CYP3A5 activity might be a protective factor to aromatic antiepileptics-induced hypersensitivity reactions in Brazilian subjects.

Paroxysmal Dyskinesias in Children.

PubMed

McGrath, Tony M.; Dure, Leon S.

2003-07-01

Paroxysmal dyskinesias are rare movement disorders. The onset of paroxysmal dyskinesias in childhood are typically idiopathic (sporadic or familial), whereas those in adulthood are usually secondary to an identifiable cause. Paroxysmal dyskinesias are classified according to precipitating factors, and these include paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia, paroxysmal exertion-induced dyskinesia, and paroxysmal hypnogenic dyskinesia. The pathophysiology remains unknown; however, there is increasing evidence that channelopathies may play a role, which explains the response to anticonvulsant medications in certain kindreds. Pharmacologic treatment with anticonvulsant medications, clonazepam, tetrabenazine, trihexyphenidyl, or levodopa is reviewed herewith. Paroxysmal dyskinesias go by many names, but a rational classification does exist. Of those that respond to medications, the majority of paroxysmal dyskenesias respond to anticonvulsant medications. Channelopathies have been implemented as a cause in paroxysmal dyskinesias.

Variation in adverse drug reactions listed in product information for antidepressants and anticonvulsants, between the USA and Europe: a comparison review of paired regulatory documents.

PubMed

Cornelius, Victoria R; Liu, Kun; Peacock, Janet; Sauzet, Odile

2016-03-20

To compare consistency of adverse drug reaction (ADR) data in publicly available product information documents for brand drugs, between the USA and Europe. To assess the usefulness of information for prescribers and patients. A comparison review of product information documents for antidepressants and anticonvulsants concurrently marketed by the same pharmaceutical company in the USA and Europe. For each drug, data were extracted from the US Product Inserts and the European Summary of Product Characteristics documents between 09/2013 and 01/2015. Individuals contributing ADR information to product information documents. All ADRs reported in product information sections 5 and 6 (USA), and 4·4 and 4·8 (Europe). Twelve brand drugs--24 paired documents--were included. On average, there were 77 more ADRs reported in the USA compared with in the European product information document, with a median number of 201 ADRs (range: 65-425) and 114 (range: 56-265), respectively. More product information documents in the USA reported information on the source of evidence (10 vs 5) and risk (9 vs 5) for greater than 80% of ADRs included in the document. There was negligible information included regarding duration, severity, reversibility or recurrence of ADRs. On average, only 29% of ADR terms were reported in both paired documents. Product information documents contained a large number of ADRs, but lacked contextual data and information important to patients and prescribers, such as duration, severity and reversibility. The ADR profile was found to be inconsistently reported between the USA and Europe, for the same drug. Identifying, selecting, summarising and presenting multidimensional harm data should be underpinned by practical evidence-based guidelines. In order for prescribers to provide considered risk-benefit advice across competing drug therapies to patients, they need access to comprehensible and reliable ADR information. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited

Effect of the Leaf Essential Oil from Cinnamosma madagascariensis Danguy on Pentylenetetrazol-induced Seizure in Rats.

PubMed

Rakotosaona, Rianasoambolanoro; Randrianarivo, Emmanuel; Rasoanaivo, Philippe; Nicoletti, Marcello; Benelli, Giovanni; Maggi, Filippo

2017-10-01

In the Malagasy traditional practices, the smoke from burning leaves of Cinnamosma madagascariensis Danguy is inhaled to treat brain disorders such as dementia, epilepsy, and headache. In the present work, we have evaluated the in vivo anticonvulsant effects of the essential oil from leaves of C. madagascariensis (CMEO). CMEO was isolated by steam distillation. The anticonvulsant activity of CMEO (0.4 and 0.8 ml/kg bw) administered subcutaneously was evaluated on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures in Wistar rats; diazepam was used as positive control. Linalool, limonene, and myrcene were the major CMEO constituents. At the dose of 0.8 ml/kg, CMEO completely arrested the PTZ-induced convulsions with moderate sedative effects. The traditional anticonvulsant use of C. madagascariensis was confirmed allowing us to candidate molecules from CMEO as potential drugs to treat convulsions associated with strong agitation. © 2017 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.

Ichnocarpus frutescens Ameliorates Experimentally Induced Convulsion in Rats

PubMed Central

Singh, Narendra Kumar; Laloo, Damiki; Garabadu, Debapriya; Singh, Tryambak Deo; Singh, Virendra Pratap

2014-01-01

The present study was carried out to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity and probable mechanism of action of the methanol root extract from I. frutescens (MEIF) using different experimental animal models. Anticonvulsant activity of the single dose of MEIF (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated in maximal electroshock- (MES-), pentylenetetrazole- (PTZ-), and isoniazid- (INH-) induced convulsions models in rats. The levels of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), glutamate, GABA-transaminase (GABA-T) activity and oxidative stress markers were measured in pretreated rat's brain homogenate to corroborate the mechanism of observed anticonvulsant activity. MEIF (200–400 mg/kg, p.o.) protected the animals in all the behavioral models used. Pretreatment of MEIF (200–400 mg/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) to the animals in INH-induced convulsion model showed 100% and 80% protection, respectively, as well as significant restoration of GABA and glutamate level in the rat's brain. MEIF and vigabatrin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the PTZ-induced increase in the activity of GABA-T (46%) in the brain. Further, MEIF reversed the PTZ-induced increase in lipid peroxidase (LPO) and decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. The findings of this study validate the anticonvulsant activity of I. frutescens. PMID:27379268

Effect of combined treatment with diuretics and gabapentin on convulsive threshold in mice.

PubMed

Łukawski, Krzysztof; Swiderska, Grajyna; Czuczwar, Stanisław J

2013-01-01

Research data show that diuretics can have anticonvulsant properties. This study examined effects of ethacrynic acid, a loop diuretic, and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide-type diuretic, on the anticonvulsant activity of gabapentin, a newer antiepileptic drug, in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test in mice. Diuretics were administered intraperitoneally (ip.) both acutely (single dose) and chronically (once daily for seven days). Electroconvulsions were produced by an alternating current (50 Hz, 500 V, 0.2 s stimulus duration) delivered via ear-clip electrodes by a generator. Additionally, the influence of combined treatment with the diuretics and gabapentin on motor performance in the chimney test has been assessed. In the current study, ethacrynic acid at the chronic dose of 12.5 mg/kg and the single dose of 100 mg/kg did not affect the anticonvulsant activity of gabapentin. Similarly, hydrochlorothiazide (100 mg/kg), both in acute and chronic experiments, had no effect on the gabapentin action. On the other hand, in the chimney test, the combined treatment with ethacrynic acid (100 mg/kg) and gabapentin (50 mg/kg) significantly impaired motor performance in mice. Based on the current preclinical findings, it can be suggested that the diuretics should not affect the anticonvulsant action of gabapentin in epileptic patients. However, the combination of ethacrynic acid with gabapentin may cause neurotoxicity.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Lavandula officinalis on nicotine-induced convulsion in mice.

PubMed

Arzi, A; Ahamehe, M; Sarahroodi, S

2011-06-01

Epilepsy an important CNS (central nervous system) problem that about 1% of world's population suffer of it. The aim of study was to evaluate of anticonvulsant effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Lavandula officinalis. In this study, anticonvulsant activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Lavandula officinalis (L. officinalis) was studied against chemoconvulsant-induced seizures in male mice. Lavandula officinalis (100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg kg(-1)), diazepam (0.15 mg kg(-1)) and normal saline (10 mL kg(-1)) were injected intraperitoneally, respectively in different groups of mice, 30 min before nicotine (5 mg kg(-) i.p.). The onset time intensity and duration of convulsions and the percentage of death were recorded. Also the time-response (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 min before nicotine injection) for most effective dose of plant extract (600 mg kg(-1)) was investigated. The results showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Lavandula officinalis had anticonvulsant effect. The most effective dose of plant extract was 600 mg kg(-1). In time-response study for the most effective dose of extract (600 mg kg(-1)), the onset, duration and intensity of convulsion significantly (p < 0.05) increased, decreased and decreased, respectively for all tested times. The best response observed in 30, 45 and 60 min. The results showed significant anticonvulsant effect for hydroalcoholic extract of Lavandula.

Possible roles for frequent salivary antiepileptic drug monitoring in the management of epilepsy.

PubMed

Herkes, G K; Eadie, M J

1990-07-01

Salivary levels of phenytoin, phenobarbitone, carbamazepine and carbamazepine-epoxide correlate with the simultaneous plasma water levels of these substances, after correcting for the effects of pH differences between saliva and plasma in the case of phenobarbitone. Saliva is easy and painless to collect, and salivary levels of the drugs are conveniently measured. Frequent (often daily) monitoring of pre-dose morning anticonvulsant drug concentrations in saliva over periods of weeks or months in 3 groups of epileptic subjects showed that (i) in some but not all poorly controlled epileptic patients seizures tended to occur on days when salivary anticonvulsant levels were lower than on non-seizure days, (ii) in such subjects it was possible to estimate an anticipated optimal drug concentration and dose to minimize seizure activity from the plot of seizure frequency against drug concentrations, (iii) in women with 'catamenial' epilepsy, salivary anticonvulsant levels were lower on perimenstrual days than at mid-cycle in half of the subjects studied, and (iv) in pregnant epileptic women the time course of the change in drug levels relative to dose could be followed more closely throughout pregnancy and the post-natal period than was practicable when using blood level measurements. Frequent measurement of salivary anticonvulsant concentrations appears a promising and inexpensive adjunct to the investigation and management of certain problem areas in epilepsy.

Neurosteroids for the potential protection of humans against organophosphate toxicity.

PubMed

Reddy, Doodipala Samba

2016-08-01

This article describes the therapeutic potential of neurosteroids as anticonvulsant antidotes for chemical intoxication caused by organophosphate pesticides and nerve agents or gases like sarin and soman. Toxic manifestations following nerve agent exposure, as evident in chemical attacks in Japan and Syria, include hypersecretion, respiratory distress, tremors, convulsions leading to status epilepticus (SE), and death. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, are the current anticonvulsants of choice for controlling nerve agent-induced life-threatening seizures, SE, and brain injury. Benzodiazepines can control acute seizures when given early, but they are less effective for delayed treatment of SE, which is characterized by rapid desensitization of synaptic GABA A receptors, benzodiazepine resistance, and brain injury. Neurosteroid-sensitive extrasynaptic GABA A receptors, however, remain unaffected by such events. Thus, anticonvulsant neurosteroids may produce more effective protection than benzodiazepines against a broad spectrum of chemical agents, even when given late after nerve agent exposure. © 2016 New York Academy of Sciences.

Ketone bodies do not directly alter excitatory or inhibitory hippocampal synaptic transmission.

PubMed

Thio, L L; Wong, M; Yamada, K A

2000-01-25

To determine the effect of the ketone bodies beta-hydroxybutyrate (betaHB) and acetoacetate (AA) on excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the mammalian CNS. The ketogenic diet is presumed to be an effective anticonvulsant regimen for some children with medically intractable seizures. However, its mechanism of action remains a mystery. According to one hypothesis, ketone bodies have anticonvulsant properties. The authors examined the effect of betaHB and AA on excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in rat hippocampal-entorhinal cortex slices and cultured hippocampal neurons. In cultured neurons, their effect was also directly assayed on postsynaptic receptor properties. Finally, their ability to prevent spontaneous seizures was determined in a hippocampal-entorhinal cortex slice model. betaHB and AA did not alter synaptic transmission in these models. The anticonvulsant properties of the ketogenic diet do not result from a direct effect of ketone bodies on the primary voltage and ligand gated ion channels mediating excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmission in the hippocampus.

Combined sub-threshold dosages of phenobarbital and low-frequency stimulation effectively reduce seizures in amygdala-kindled rats.

PubMed

Asgari, Azam; Semnanian, Saeed; Atapour, Nafiseh; Shojaei, Amir; Moradi, Homeira; Mirnajafi-Zadeh, Javad

2014-08-01

Low-frequency stimulation (LFS) is a potential therapy utilized in patients who do not achieve satisfactory control of seizures with pharmacological treatments. Here, we investigated the interaction between anticonvulsant effects of LFS and phenobarbital (a commonly used medicine) on amygdala-kindled seizures in rats. Animals were kindled by electrical stimulation of basolateral amygdala in a rapid manner (12 stimulations/day). Fully kindled animals randomly received one of the three treatment choices: phenobarbital (1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 mg/kg; i.p.; 30 min before kindling stimulation), LFS (one or 4 packages contained 100 or 200 monophasic square wave pulses, 0.1-ms pulse duration at 1 Hz, immediately before kindling stimulation) or a combination of both (phenobarbital at 3 mg/kg and LFS). Phenobarbital alone at the doses of 1, 2 and 3 mg/kg had no significant effect on the main seizure parameters. LFS application always produced anticonvulsant effects unless applied with the pattern of one package of 100 pulses, which is considered as non-effective. All the seizure parameters were significantly reduced when phenobarbital (3 mg/kg) was administered prior to the application of the non-effective pattern of LFS. Phenobarbital (3 mg/kg) also increased the anticonvulsant actions of the effective LFS pattern. Our results provide an evidence of a positive cumulative anticonvulsant effect of LFS and phenobarbital, suggesting a potential combination therapy at sub-threshold dosages of phenobarbital and LFS to achieve a satisfactory clinical effect.

Vitamin D Deficiency is Prevalent in Females with Rett Syndrome

PubMed Central

Motil, Kathleen J.; Barrish, Judy O.; Lane, Jane; Geerts, Suzanne P.; Annese, Fran; McNair, Lauren; Percy, Alan K.; Skinner, Steven A; Neul, Jeffrey L.; Glaze, Daniel G.

2013-01-01

Objectives To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and identify the relation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and the consumption of dietary sources of vitamin D or exposure to anticonvulsants in females with Rett syndrome (RTT). Study design Retrospective review of the medical records of 284 females with RTT to determine serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone levels, nutritional status, dietary sources of vitamin D, exposure to anticonvulsants, degree of mobility, and MECP2 status. Results Twenty percent of females who were tested (n=157) had 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L. Multivitamin supplements, vitamin D fortified milk, and commercial formulas were consumed by 40%, 52%, and 54%. Anticonvulsants were used by 57% and 39% ambulated independently. Median 25(OH)D levels were lower in individuals who did not receive multivitamin supplements (p<0.05) or commercial formulas (p<0.001) than in those who did. Median 25(OH)D levels differed (p<0.01) among racial and ethnic groups, but the number in some groups was small. Nutritional status, use of anticonvulsants, degree of mobility, and MECP2 status did not influence 25(OH)D levels. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in females with RTT. The use of multivitamin supplements or commercial formulas is associated with improved vitamin D levels. Attention to vitamin D may enhance bone mineral deposition and reduce the frequency of bone fractures in these individuals. PMID:21637127

Аnticonvulsant effects of citicoline and diazepam at their combined application on model of the acute generalized convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole in Wistar rats.

PubMed

Kuznetsova, L V; Karpova, M N; Zinkovski, K A; Klishina, N Yu

2016-01-01

Studying of efficiency of the combined application of the citicoline possessing nootropic and anticonvulsive action and antiepileptic drug of diazepam on the acute generalized convulsions (AGC) caused by a convulsant pentylentetrazole (PTZ). Experiments are executed on the male Wistar rats (n = 68) weighing 160-190 g on the AGС model caused by of PTZ in a dose of 80 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.). For studying of efficiency of the combined use of drugs determined the minimum anticonvulsive action of a citicoline (Tserakson, «Nicomed Ferrer Internacional, S.A.») and diazepam (Relanium, Warsaw pharmaceutical plant of Polf AO, Warsaw, Poland). For this citicoline were administered i.p. in doses 500 and 300 mg/kg 1 hour before the PTZ and diazepam - in doses of 0,5 and 0,25 mg/kg 30 min before administration of PTZ. Control animals were injected with saline to the same extent and under the same experimental conditions. It is shown that the combined administration of a citicoline and diazepam in minimum active doses (300 and 0.25 mg/kg respectively), increases anticonvulsive properties of both drugs. The combined administration of citicoline with diazepam in minimally active doses enhances anticonvulsant properties of both drugs, thereby reducing the risk of development of side effects. In addition, the research may serve as experimental justification for the use of drugs in case of convulsions for the purpose beneficial effect on cognitive function and delays of progressing of neurodegenerative processes.

5% Carbon Dioxide is safe but of limited efficacy as a treatment for paediatric non-convulsive status epilepticus: An open label observational study.

PubMed

Forsyth, Rob; Martland, Tim; Lai, Ming; Vadlamani, Gayatri; Hogan, Vanessa

2016-07-01

To establish the efficacy and tolerability of inhaled 5% carbon dioxide/95% oxygen as a treatment for paediatric non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). In an open label clinical trial, children in NCSE were given high flow inhaled 5% carbon dioxide/95% oxygen by face mask for 120 s under EEG control. Six children (five male; ages 3-13; all with severe underlying epilepsy and disability) were recruited. Inhalation was well tolerated in all cases. Capillary blood gasses showed no significant derangements at the end of the inhalation. Effects on EEG normalisation were limited and transient, and no clinical improvements were noted. No adverse effects occurred. Inhaled 5% carbon dioxide/95% oxygen has been suggested as a potent, well tolerated anticonvulsant. An anticonvulsant without sedating and respiration-depressing effects would be particularly welcome in the management of NCSE where the justification for aggressive anticonvulsant therapy is often uncertain, however it appears that 5% carbon dioxide is of limited efficacy in this context. Copyright © 2016 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acute administration of ginger (Zingiber officinale rhizomes) extract on timed intravenous pentylenetetrazol infusion seizure model in mice.

PubMed

Hosseini, Abdolkarim; Mirazi, Naser

2014-03-01

Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) or ginger, which is used in traditional medicine has antioxidant activity and neuroprotective effects. The effects of this plant on clonic seizure have not yet been studied. The present study evaluated the anticonvulsant effect of ginger in a model of clonic seizures induced with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in male mice. The anticonvulsant effect of Z. officinale was investigated using i.v. PTZ-induced seizure models in mice. Different doses of the hydroethanolic extract of Z. officinale (25, 50, and 100mg/kg) were administered intraperitonal (i.p.), 2 and 24h before induction of PTZ. Phenobarbital sodium (30mg/kg), a reference standard, was also tested for comparison. The effect of ginger on to the appearance of three separate seizure endpoints (myoclonic, generalized clonus and forelimb tonic extension phase) was recorded. The results showed that the ginger extract has anticonvulsant effects in all the experimental treatment groups of seizure tested as it significantly increased the seizure threshold. Hydroethanolic extract of Z. officinale significantly increased the onset time of myoclonic seizure at doses of 25-100mg/kg (p<0.001) and significantly prevented generalized clonic (p<0.001) and increased the threshold for the forelimb tonic extension (p<0.01) seizure 2 and 24h before induction of PTZ compared with control group. Based on the results the hydroethanolic extract of ginger has anticonvulsant effects, possibly through an interaction with inhibitory and excitatory system, antioxidant mechanisms, oxidative stress and calcium channel inhibition. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Glutamate metabotropic receptors as targets for drug therapy in epilepsy.

PubMed

Moldrich, Randal X; Chapman, Astrid G; De Sarro, Giovambattista; Meldrum, Brian S

2003-08-22

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors have multiple actions on neuronal excitability through G-protein-linked modifications of enzymes and ion channels. They act presynaptically to modify glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic transmission and can contribute to long-term changes in synaptic function. The recent identification of subtype-selective agonists and antagonists has permitted evaluation of mGlu receptors as potential targets in the treatment of epilepsy. Agonists acting on group I mGlu receptors (mGlu1 and mGlu5) are convulsant. Antagonists acting on mGlu1 or mGlu5 receptors are anticonvulsant against 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG)-induced seizures and in mouse models of generalized motor seizures and absence seizures. The competitive, phenylglycine mGlu1/5 receptor antagonists generally require intracerebroventricular administration for potent anticonvulsant efficacy but noncompetitive antagonists, e.g., (3aS,6aS)-6a-naphthalen-2-ylmethyl-5-methyliden-hexahydrocyclopenta[c]furan-1-on (BAY36-7620), 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP), and 2-methyl-6-(2-phenylethenyl)pyridine (SIB-1893) block generalized seizures with systemic administration. Agonists acting on group II mGlu receptors (mGlu2, mGlu3) to reduce glutamate release are anticonvulsant, e.g., 2R,4R-aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate [(2R,4R)-APDC], (+)-2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY354740), and (-)-2-oxa-4-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,6-dicarboxylate (LY379268). The classical agonists acting on group III mGlu receptors such as L-(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid, and L-serine-O-phosphate are acutely proconvulsant with some anticonvulsant activity. The more recently identified agonists (R,S)-4-phosphonophenylglycine [(R,S)-PPG] and (S)-3,4-dicarboxyphenylglycine [(S)-3,4-DCPG] and (1S,3R,4S)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid [ACPT-1] are all anticonvulsant without proconvulsant effects. Studies in animal models of kindling

Characterization of the anticonvulsant, behavioral and pharmacokinetic interaction profiles of stiripentol in combination with clonazepam, ethosuximide, phenobarbital, and valproate using isobolographic analysis.

PubMed

Luszczki, Jarogniew J; Ratnaraj, Neville; Patsalos, Philip N; Czuczwar, Stanislaw J

2006-11-01

Isobolographic analysis was used to characterize the interactions between stiripentol (STP) and clonazepam (CZP), ethosuximide (ETS), phenobarbital (PB), and valproate (VPA) in suppressing pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced clonic seizures in mice. The anticonvulsant and acute adverse (neurotoxic) effects of STP in combination with the various conventional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), at fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1, were evaluated in the PTZ and chimney tests in mice using the isobolographic analysis. Additionally, protective indices (PI) and benefit indices (BI) were calculated to identify their pharmacological profiles so that a ranking in relation to advantageous combination could be established. Moreover, adverse-effect paradigms were determined by use of the step-through passive avoidance task (long-term memory), threshold for the first pain reaction, grip-strength test (neuromuscular tone), and the hot plate test (acute thermal pain). Brain AED concentrations were also measured so as to ascertain any pharmacokinetic contribution to the pharmacodynamic interactions. All AED combinations comprising of STP and CZP, ETS, PB, and VPA (at the fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1) were additive in terms of clonic seizure suppression in the PTZ test. However, these interactions were complicated by changes in brain AED concentrations consequent to pharmacokinetic interactions. Thus STP significantly increased total brain ETS and PB concentrations, and decreased VPA concentrations, but was without effect on CZP concentrations. In contrast, PB significantly decreased and VPA increased total brain STP concentrations while CZP and ETS were without effect. Furthermore, while isobolographic analysis revealed that STP and CZP in combination, at the fixed ratios of 1:1 and 3:1, were supraadditive (synergistic; p < 0.05), the combinations of STP with CZP (1:3), ETS, PB, or VPA (at all fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1) were barely additivity in terms of acute neurotoxic adverse

[Epilepsy and pregnancy].

PubMed

Delmis, J; Drazancić, A; Tkalcević, T; Ivanisević, M

1991-01-01

A total of 132 women with epilepsy were confined in the period from 1978-1989. Their pregnancies and outcomes were analysed. The special aim was to find out if the anticonvulsive therapy has any correlation with the occurrence of fetal malformations in the studied group of women. In 43.9% of pregnant women with epilepsy, methyl-phenobarbitone as an anticonvulsive drug was administered, while carbamazepine was applied in 13.6% cases. A combination of phenytoin and phenobarbitone was prescribed in 18.9% of cases. Primidone was the drug of choice in 8% cases and 5.3% of patients were treated with various combinations of anticonvulsive drugs. Hyperemesis, threatened spontaneous abortion and premature labor complicated significantly more pregnancies in patients with epilepsy than on controls. Pregnancies from the studied group were terminated by the cesarean section in significantly more cases (11.2%) than in the control group (5.4%). Newborns from mothers with epilepsy had a statistically lower birthweight (3173 +/- 575 g) than those born from healthy mothers (3376 +/- 510g). Fifteen newborns or 11.2% were born with congenital malformations, while among the control group of newborns only two were malformed. It is noticed that the newborns from mothers treated with phenitoin and phenobarbitone had dysmorphic anomalies of the face more frequently. The drugs mentioned above interfere with the metabolism of K vitamin and as a result of this interreaction, mothers and newborns can suffer from coagulation disorders. In conclusion it is important to mention that no anticonvulsant drug seems to be absolutely safe when used during pregnancy since each of them has a teratogenic effect on the fetus.

An RNAi-mediated screen identifies novel targets for next-generation antiepileptic drugs based on increased expression of the homeostatic regulator pumilio.

PubMed

Lin, Wei-Hsiang; He, Miaomiao; Fan, Yuen Ngan; Baines, Richard A

2018-05-02

Despite availability of a diverse range of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), only about two-thirds of epilepsy patients respond well to drug treatment. Thus, novel targets are required to catalyse the design of next-generation AEDs. Manipulation of neuron firing-rate homoeostasis, through enhancing Pumilio (Pum) activity, has been shown to be potently anticonvulsant in Drosophila. In this study, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen in S2R + cells, using a luciferase-based dPum activity reporter and identified 1166 genes involved in dPum regulation. Of these genes, we focused on 699 genes that, on knock-down, potentiate dPum activity/expression. Of this subgroup, 101 genes are activity-dependent based on comparison with genes previously identified as activity-dependent by RNA-sequencing. Functional cluster analysis shows these genes are enriched in pathways involved in DNA damage, regulation of cell cycle and proteasomal protein catabolism. To test for anticonvulsant activity, we utilised an RNA-interference approach in vivo. RNAi-mediated knockdown showed that 57/101 genes (61%) are sufficient to significantly reduce seizure duration in the characterized seizure mutant, para bss . We further show that chemical inhibitors of protein products of some of the genes targeted are similarly anticonvulsant. Finally, to establish whether the anticonvulsant activity of identified compounds results from increased dpum transcription, we performed a luciferase-based assay to monitor dpum promoter activity. Third instar larvae exposed to sodium fluoride, gemcitabine, metformin, bestatin, WP1066 or valproic acid all showed increased dpum promoter activity. Thus, this study validates Pum as a favourable target for AED design and, moreover, identifies a number of lead compounds capable of increasing the expression of this homeostatic regulator.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Capacio, B.R.; Harris, L.W.; Anderson, D.R.

The accelerating rotarod was used to assess motor performance decrement in rats after administration of candidate anticonvulsant compounds (acetazolamide, amitriptyline, chlordiazepoxide, diazepan, diazepam-lysine, lorazepam, loprazolam, midazolam, phenobarbital and scopolamine) against nerve agent poisoning. AH compounds were tested as the commercially available injectable preparation except for diazepam-lysine and loprazolam, which are not FDA approved. A peak effect time, as well as a dose to decrease performance time by 50% from control (PDD50), was determined. The calculated PDD50 (micrometer ol/kg) values and peak effect tunes were midazolam, 1.16 at 15 min; loprazolam, 1.17 at 15 min; diazepam-lysine, 4.17 at 30 min; lorazepwn,more » 4.98 at 15 min; diazepam, 5.27 at 15 min; phenobarbital, 101.49 at 45 min; chlordiazepoxide, 159.21 at 30 min; scopolamine, amitriptyline and acetazolamide did not demonstrate a performance decrement at any of the doses tested. The PDD50 values were compared with doses which have been utilized against nerve agent-induced convulsions or published ED50 values from standard anticonvulsant screening tests (maximal electroshock MES and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scMET)). I serve agents, anticonvulsants, diazepam, accelerating rotarod, motor performance.« less

Benefit of combination therapy in epilepsy: a review of the preclinical evidence with levetiracetam.

PubMed

Kaminski, Rafal M; Matagne, Alain; Patsalos, Philip N; Klitgaard, Henrik

2009-03-01

Levetiracetam (Keppra) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) characterized by a novel mechanism of action, unique profile of activity in seizure models, and broad-spectrum clinical efficacy. The present report critically reviews several preclinical studies focused on combination therapy with levetiracetam and other anticonvulsants in various seizure and epilepsy models. Administration of levetiracetam together with many different clinically used AEDs or other anticonvulsants generally enhances their protective activity and, among existing AEDs, this was particularly prevalent with valproate. The protective activity of other AEDs was also enhanced by levetiracetam, which seems to be a universal finding that is independent of seizure model or drug combination studied. However, particularly strong enhancement was observed when levetiracetam was combined with agents either enhancing GABAergic or reducing glutamatergic neurotransmission. Importantly, these combinations were not associated with exacerbation of side effects or pharmacokinetic interactions. Based on the available preclinical data, it appears that combination treatment with levetiracetam and other anticonvulsants provides additional therapeutic benefit that may be attributed to its novel and distinct mechanism of action. Moreover, combinations of levetiracetam with clinically used AEDs that enhance GABAergic inhibition may be considered for rational polytherapy, which is often necessary in drug-resistant patients.

Pediatric Status Epilepticus Management

PubMed Central

Abend, Nicholas S; Loddenkemper, Tobias

2014-01-01

Purpose of Review This review discusses management of status epilepticus in children including both anticonvulsant medications and overall management approaches. Recent Findings Rapid management of status epilepticus is associated with a greater likelihood of seizure termination and better outcomes, yet data indicate there are often management delays. This review discusses an overall management approach aiming to simultaneously identify and manage underlying precipitant etiologies, administer anticonvulsants in rapid succession until seizures have terminated, and identify and manage systemic complications. An example management pathway is provided. Summary Status epilepticus is a common neurologic emergency in children and requires rapid intervention. Having a predetermined status epilepticus management pathway can expedite management. PMID:25304961

Levetiracetam and topiramate poisoning: Two overdoses on those drugs with no lasting effects.

PubMed

Sarfaraz, Moaziz; Syeda, Rana Hasan

2017-05-30

Levetiracetam and topiramate are newer anticonvulsants, which is why international data on overdoses of these drugs are lacking. Only a few mild adverse reactions have been noted. These anticonvulsants have been the drug of choice for neurologists. Despite their wide usage, there is a dearth of literature on symptoms and signs of their toxicity. Presented here is the case of a 21-year-old female who overdosed twice on levetiracetam and topiramate. The woman was admitted and discharged after the first overdose. Ten days later, she took multiple tablets of both drugs and was seen again. Amazingly, the woman went home after the incident with no complications at all.

Excitatory amino acids in epilepsy and potential novel therapies.

PubMed

Meldrum, B S

1992-07-01

Evidence that an abnormality of excitatory neurotransmission may contribute to the epileptic phenomena in various animal and human syndromes is reviewed. Altered glutamate transport or metabolism may be a contributory factor in some genetic syndromes and enhanced responsiveness to activation of NMDA receptors may be significant in various acquired forms of epilepsy. Decreasing glutamatergic neurotransmission provides a rational therapeutic approach to epilepsy. Potent anticonvulsant effects are seen with the acute administration of NMDA antagonists in a wide range of animal models. Some competitive antagonists acting at the NMDA/glutamate site show prolonged anticonvulsant activity following oral administration at doses free of motor side effects and appear suitable for clinical trial.

Protection against soman-induced neuropathology and respiratory failure: a comparison of the efficacy of diazepam and avizafone in guinea pig.

PubMed

Taysse, L; Daulon, S; Delamanche, S; Bellier, B; Breton, P

2006-08-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of diazepam and the pro-diazepam avizafone in preventing the severity of soman-induced pathology in guinea pig. Survival, respiration and seizures of experimental animals were investigated with on-line monitoring of respiratory and EEG parameters. Guinea pigs were pretreated with pyridostigmine (0.1mg/kg i.m.) and 30 min later challenged with 1 or 2 LD50 soman. One minute after intoxication they were treated with atropine (3 or 33.8 mg/kg), pralidoxime chloride (32 mg/kg) and either diazepam (2 mg/kg), avizafone (3.5 mg/kg) or saline solution. The highest dose of atropine (33.8 mg/kg) gave a protective effect in groups treated without anticonvulsants by reducing the severity of clinical signs and death within 24 h but also by decreasing seizure occurrence and brain injuries. When injected at the similar molar dose of 7 micromoles/kg, the protection of anticonvulsants against soman neurotoxicity was higher with the atropine/pralidoxime/avizafone combination than with atropine/pralidoxime/diazepam. Indeed, when atropine was used at the lowest dose, avizafone was found to prevent early mortality and seizures occurrence with better efficacy than diazepam. On the other hand, when added to the therapy, the both anticonvulsants did not prevent the moderate EEG depression (reduction of amplitude by 30-52%) observed under 2 LD50 soman. Moreover, the number of animals suffering from respiratory distress (defined as a decrease of minute ventilation of more than 20% from the baseline value) was enhanced when diazepam or avizafone were used in the therapy. This effect was dependent on the atropine dose and the nature of the anticonvulsant. The beneficial effects of the different therapeutics tested were assessed and compared to the previous data obtained with the same therapies against sarin and from the pharmacokinetics properties of the atropine/diazepam mixture.

Neuropeptides and seizures.

PubMed

Snead, O C

1986-11-01

There are four lines of evidence for or against a role of neuropeptides in epilepsy: Administration of a variety of opiate agonists into the ventricles or brain of animals produces a constellation of electrical and behavioral changes, seemingly receptor-specific, both sensitive to the specific opiate antagonist naloxone as well as certain anticonvulsant drugs. The primary reservation concerning these data in terms of their relevance to epilepsy regards the fact that the peptides are exogenously administered in relatively high doses. Hence, these data may reflect neurotoxic effects of peptides rather than physiologic function. A variety of opiate agonists are anticonvulsant and naloxone shortens the postictal state in some experimental seizure models. One could attempt to reconcile these data with those in No. 1 by hypothesizing that the spikes and behavioral changes examined in the latter experimental parodynes represented a sort of isolated model of the postictal state. Naloxone has little effect in clinical epilepsy. These data are far from conclusive for two reasons. First, few patients have been studied. Second, because of the issue of opiate receptor heterogeneity and the high doses of naloxone needed experimentally to block non-mu opiate effects, the doses of naloxone used clinically to date are too low to rule out possible delta- or epsilon-mediated effects. The negative clinical data are illustrative of the dangers and difficulties of extrapolating data generated in animal models of seizures to the human condition. ACTH, a peptide that is derived from the same precursor molecule as beta-endorphin, is clearly an effective anticonvulsant in certain childhood seizure states. However, whether this is due to a direct or indirect (that is, cortisol) effect on brain is far from clear. Paradoxically, in contradistinction to other data concerning pro- and anticonvulsant properties of various opioid peptides, there is no animal model of infantile spasms to help

Incidence of delayed seizures, delayed cerebral ischemia and poor outcome with the use of levetiracetam versus phenytoin after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PubMed

Karamchandani, Rahul Ramesh; Fletcher, Jeffrey James; Pandey, Aditya Swarup; Rajajee, Venkatakrishna

2014-09-01

Current guidelines recommend against the use of phenytoin following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) but consider other anticonvulsants, such as levetiracetam, acceptable. Our objective was to evaluate the risk of poor functional outcomes, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and delayed seizures in aSAH patients treated with levetiracetam versus phenytoin. Medical records of patients with aSAH admitted between 2005-2012 receiving anticonvulsant prophylaxis with phenytoin or levetiracetam for >72 hours were reviewed. The primary outcome measure was poor functional outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score >3 at first recorded follow-up. Secondary outcomes measures included DCI and the incidence of delayed seizures. The association between the use of levetiracetam and phenytoin and the outcomes of interest was studied using logistic regression. Medical records of 564 aSAH patients were reviewed and 259 included in the analysis after application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. Phenytoin was used exclusively in 43 (17%), levetiracetam exclusively in 132 (51%) while 84 (32%) patients were switched from phenytoin to levetiracetam. Six (2%) patients had delayed seizures, 94 (36%) developed DCI and 63 (24%) had mRS score >3 at follow-up. On multivariate analysis, only modified Fisher grade and seizure before anticonvulsant administration were associated with DCI while age, Hunt-Hess grade and presence of intraparenchymal hematoma were associated with mRS score >3. Choice of anticonvulsant was not associated with any of the outcomes of interest. There was no difference in the rate of delayed seizures, DCI or poor functional outcome in patients receiving phenytoin versus levetiracetam after aSAH. The high rate of crossover from phenytoin suggests that levetiracetam may be better tolerated. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Interactions between angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonists and second-generation antiepileptic drugs in the test of maximal electroshock.

PubMed

Łukawski, Krzysztof; Janowska, Agnieszka; Jakubus, Tomasz; Czuczwar, Stanisław J

2014-06-01

The anticonvulsant activity of angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonists, losartan (2-n-butyl-4-chloro-5-hydroxymethyl-1-[(2'(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenil-4-yl)methyl]imidazole) and telmisartan (49-[(1,49-dimethyl-29-propyl[2,69-bi-1H-benzimidazo]-19-yl)methyl]-[1,19-biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acid), has been reported recently. It is suggested that AT1 receptor antagonists may affect the protective action of antiepileptic drugs. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of losartan and telmisartan on the anticonvulsant activity of some second-generation antiepileptics (lamotrigine - LTG, oxcarbazepine - OXC, and topiramate - TPM). For this purpose, the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test in mice was used. Additionally, the drug combinations were checked for adverse effects in the passive avoidance and chimney tests. In the MES test, losartan at the doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), potentiated the protective action of LTG (P < 0.01). This interaction was not accompanied by a significant change of LTG level either in plasma or in the brain. Telmisartan at the dose of 30 mg/kg i.p. enhanced the anticonvulsant action of TPM (P < 0.01). However, this interaction was pharmacokinetic in nature, as telmisartan significantly increased plasma and total brain concentrations of TPM (P < 0.001). The combinations of AT1 receptor antagonists with antiepileptic drugs did not affect retention in the passive avoidance test or motor coordination in the chimney test. The potentiation of the anticonvulsant action of LTG by losartan probably on account of pharmacodynamic interactions, make this combination important for further experimental and clinical studies. The combination of telmisartan and TPM is less beneficial due to pharmacokinetic interactions. © 2013 The Authors Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology © 2013 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique.

Suicide in bipolar disorder: a review.

PubMed

Latalova, Klara; Kamaradova, Dana; Prasko, Jan

2014-06-01

Suicide is a leading cause of death in patients with bipolar disorder. Risk factors and prevention of suicide in this illness are the focus of considerable current research. MEDLINE data base was searched for the key words "bipolar disorder" with "suicide", "lithium" with "suicide", "anticonvulsants" with "bipolar disorder", and "anticonvulsants" with "bipolar disorder" and with "suicide". No language or time constraints were applied. The lists of references were searched manually to find additional articles. It is estimated that 25% to 50% of patients with bipolar disorder will attempt suicide at least once over their lifetime, and that 8% to 19% will complete suicide. Mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases are elevated in bipolar disorder. Risk factors for suicide include younger age of onset of the illness, history of past suicidal behavior, family history of suicide acts, comorbid borderline personality disorder and substance use disorders, and hopelessness. The warning signs calling for immediate action include the patients threatening to harm themselves, or looking for ways to kill themselves (seeking access to pills or weapons), or the patient talking or writing about death. Robust evidence supports the effects of lithium treatment in reducing suicidal attempts and completions in bipolar disorder. The evidence for antisuicidal effects of anticonvulsants is weaker. Nevertheless, valproate and other anticonvulsants are frequently prescribed as mood stabilizers. There have been controversial suggestions that this treatment may elevate the risk of suicide, but the data supporting this are not convincing. Psychoeducation can reduce the number of suicide attempts and completions. Suicide in bipolar disorder is a major public health problem. Recent research has expanded our knowledge of risk factors and warning signs. Nevertheless, it appears that the introduction of lithium treatment in the 1970s was the most recent important breakthrough in the prevention

Bone mineral density in subjects using central nervous system-active medications.

PubMed

Kinjo, Mitsuyo; Setoguchi, Soko; Schneeweiss, Sebastian; Solomon, Daniel H

2005-12-01

Decreased bone mineral density defines osteoporosis according to the World Health Organization and is an important predictor of future fractures. The use of several types of central nervous system-active drugs, including benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioids, have all been associated with increased risk of fracture. However, it is unclear whether such an increase in risk is related to an effect of bone mineral density or to other factors, such as increased risk of falls. We sought to examine the relationship between bone mineral density and the use of benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioids in a representative US population-based sample. We analyzed data on adults aged 17 years and older from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988-1994). Total femoral bone mineral density of 7114 male and 7532 female participants was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Multivariable linear regression models were used to quantify the relation between central nervous system medication exposure and total femoral bone mineral density. Models controlled for relevant covariates, including age, sex, and body mass index. In linear regression models, significantly reduced bone mineral density was found in subjects taking anticonvulsants (0.92 g/cm2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89 to 0.94) and opioids (0.92 g/cm2; 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.95) compared with nonusers (0.95 g/cm2; 95% CI: 0.95 to 0.95) after adjusting for several potential confounders. The other central nervous system-active drugs--benzodiazepines or antidepressants--were not associated with significantly reduced bone mineral density. In cross-sectional analysis of NHANES III, anticonvulsants and opioids (but not benzodiazepines or antidepressants) were associated with significantly reduced bone mineral density. These findings have implications for fracture-prevention strategies.

Effect of Tadalafil on Seizure Threshold and Activity of Antiepileptic Drugs in Three Acute Seizure Tests in Mice.

PubMed

Socała, Katarzyna; Nieoczym, Dorota; Pieróg, Mateusz; Wyska, Elżbieta; Szafarz, Małgorzata; Doboszewska, Urszula; Wlaź, Piotr

2018-02-09

Tadalafil, a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, is a long-acting oral agent for the treatment of erectile dysfunction of multiple etiologies. Although generalized tonic-clonic seizures were reported in a healthy man after taking tadalafil, the influence of tadalafil on seizure susceptibility has not been studied so far. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of tadalafil on seizure threshold as well as on the activity of some first- and second-generation antiepileptic drugs in three acute seizure tests in mice. The obtained results showed that tadalafil, at the highest dose tested (20 mg/kg), significantly decreased the threshold for the first myoclonic twitch in the intravenous pentylenetetrazole (i.v. PTZ) seizure test. It did not affect the threshold for generalized clonic seizure and forelimb tonus in the i.v. PTZ, for tonic hindlimb extension in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test, and for psychomotor seizure in the 6-Hz-induced seizure threshold test. Tadalafil did not alter the anticonvulsant activity of any of the studied antiepileptic drugs in electrically induced seizure tests. Interestingly, tadalafil potentiated the anticonvulsant activity of clonazepam and decreased the anticonvulsant activity of oxcarbazepine in the i.v. PTZ test. These interactions were pharmacodynamic in nature, as tadalafil did not alter clonazepam and oxcarbazepine concentrations both in serum and brain tissue. Furthermore, neither tadalafil alone nor its combinations with the studied antiepileptic drugs produced any significant impairment of motor coordination (assessed in the chimney test), muscular strength (investigated in the grip-strength test), and long-term memory (assessed in the passive avoidance task). In conclusion, tadalafil may increase the risk of myoclonic seizure and decrease the anticonvulsant efficacy of oxcarbazepine. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the safety of tadalafil usage in patients with

[Therapeutic drug monitoring of levetiracetam].

PubMed

Dailly, Eric; Bouquié, Régis; Bentué-Ferrer, Danièle

2010-01-01

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat partial seizures, myoclonic seizures of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. A review of the literature with an evidence-based medicine method highlighted parameters (age, renal failure, pregnancy, combination with other anticonvulsant drugs) which affect levetiracetam pharmacokinetics but no significant relationship between plasma concentration of levetiracetam and efficacy or toxicity. Concentrations usually observed in therapeutics is from 6 to 18 mg/L. However, the determination of an individual therapeutic concentration, associated with an effective and well tolerated therapy, could be recommended particularly before pregnancy. Consequently, therapeutic drug monitoring of levetiracetam which is not currently recommended could be possibly useful in specific clinical situations.

[Theoretical and practical considerations in rational polytherapy for epilepsy].

PubMed

Rajna, Péter

2011-11-30

Author analyses the consideration of rational polytherapy for epilepsy. Among the theoretical aspects he points the different effect of seizure inhibitory drugs on the epilepsy models but didn't find data enough for the basis of any successful combination. Combinations of compounds having different way of action are more promising. Rational polytherapy can serve also the epileptic patients' tailored therapy in the daily routine. There have already been some proved synergisms concerning drug interactions. Based on detailed analysis of side effects a possibility occurs for neutralization of side effects when anticonvulsants with side effects of opposite nature are combined. Considering both the side effect profiles and the different (somatic and psychic) habits of the patients we can create a special list of favourable combinations. Co-morbid states and their treatments play a significant role in the application of rational polytherapy. Combination of anticonvulsants of lower potential but without drug-interactions can be the choice in these cases. The non-epileptic indications of the anticonvulsants can also be utilized in polymorbid patients. Based on the theoretical and practical considerations the author defines the ten-step-cognitive-preparation-process in planning the optimal (poly)therapy. On speculative basis he suggests eight beneficial versions of seizure inhibitory rational polytherapy.

Nootropic nefiracetam inhibits proconvulsant action of peripheral-type benzodiazepines in epileptic mutant EL mice.

PubMed

Nakamoto, Yurie; Shiotani, Tadashi; Watabe, Shigeo; Nabeshima, Toshitaka; Yoshii, Mitsunobu

2004-10-01

Piracetam and structurally related nootropics are known to potentiate the anticonvulsant effects of antiepileptic drugs. It remains to be seen, however, whether these nootropics inhibit proconvulsant actions of many toxic agents including Ro 5-4864, a specific agonist for peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors (PBR). The present study was designed to address this issue using EL mice, an animal model of epilepsy. In behavioral pharmacological experiments, EL mice were highly susceptible to convulsions induced by Ro 5-4864 (i.p.) in comparison with nonepileptic DDY mice. Nefiracetam administered orally to EL mice inhibited spontaneous seizures. In DDY mice, convulsions induced by Ro 5-4864 were prevented by nefiracetam when administered by i.v. injection. Aniracetam (i.v.) was partially effective, but piracetam and oxiracetam were ineffective as anticonvulsants. Binding assay for brain tissues revealed a higher density of mitochondrial PBR in EL mice compared with DDY mice. Binding of the PBR ligands Ro 5-4864 to either EL or DDY mouse brain was inhibited by micromolar concentrations of these nootropic agents in the sequence of nefiracetam > aniracetam > oxiracetam, piracetam. This rank order is identical to potency as anticonvulsants. These data suggest that nefiracetam may prevent toxic effects of PBR agonists through interacting with PBR.

Different effects of high- and low-dose phenobarbital on post-stroke seizure suppression and recovery in immature CD1 mice

PubMed Central

Markowitz, Geoffrey J.; Kadam, Shilpa D.; Smith, Dani R.; Johnston, Michael V.; Comi, Anne M.

2011-01-01

Neonatal stroke presents with seizures that are usually treated with phenobarbital. We hypothesized that anticonvulsants would attenuate ischemic injury, but that the dose-dependent effects of standard anticonvulsants would impact important age-dependent and injury-dependent consequences. In this study, ischemia induced by unilateral carotid ligation in postnatal day 12 (P12) CD1 mice was immediately followed by an i.p. dose of vehicle, low-dose or high-dose phenobarbital. Severity of acute behavioral seizures was scored. 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered from P18-P20, behavioral testing performed, and mice perfused at P40. Atrophy quantification and counts of BrdU/NeuN-labeled cells in the dentate gyrus were performed. Blood phenobarbital concentrations were measured. 30 mg/kg phenobarbital reduced acute seizures and chronic brain injury, and restored normal weight gain and exploratory behavior. By comparison, 60 mg/kg was a less efficacious anticonvulsant, was not neuroprotective, did not restore normal weight gain, and impaired behavioral and cognitive recovery. Hippocampal neurogenesis was not different between treatment groups. These results suggest a protective effect of lower-dose phenobarbital, but a lack of this effect at higher concentrations after stroke in P12 mice. PMID:21481568

Zebrafish-based identification of the antiseizure nucleoside inosine from the marine diatom Skeletonema marinoi

PubMed Central

Khamma, Supitcha; Marcourt, Laurence; Righi, Davide; Romano, Giovanna; Esposito, Francesco; Ianora, Adrianna; Queiroz, Emerson F.; Wolfender, Jean-Luc; Crawford, Alexander D.

2018-01-01

With the goal of identifying neuroactive secondary metabolites from microalgae, a microscale in vivo zebrafish bioassay for antiseizure activity was used to evaluate bioactivities of the diatom Skeletonema marinoi, which was recently revealed as being a promising source of drug-like small molecules. A freeze-dried culture of S. marinoi was extracted by solvents with increasing polarities (hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water) and these extracts were screened for anticonvulsant activity using a larval zebrafish epilepsy model with seizures induced by the GABAA antagonist pentylenetetrazole. The methanolic extract of S. marinoi exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity and was chosen for bioassay-guided fractionation, which associated the bioactivity with minor constituents. The key anticonvulsant constituent was identified as the nucleoside inosine, a well-known adenosine receptor agonist with previously reported antiseizure activities in mice and rat epilepsy models, but not reported to date as a bioactive constituent of microalgae. In addition, a UHPLC-HRMS metabolite profiling was used for dereplication of the other constituents of S. marinoi. Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution spectrometry. These results highlight the potential of zebrafish-based screening and bioassay-guided fractionation to identify neuroactive marine natural products. PMID:29689077

Practice Update: Review of Anticonvulsant Therapy.

PubMed

Chong, Derek J; Lerman, Andrew M

2016-04-01

Since 2010, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of four new anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs) for the treatment of epilepsy in the USA: clobazam (Onfi), ezogabine (Potiga), perampanel (Fycompa), and eslicarbazepine (Aptiom) as well as two extended release formulations, topiramate ER (Qudexy XR and Trokendi) and oxcarbazepine ER (Oxtellar). This not only provides practitioners ample choice to match medication profiles to their patients' preferences and co-morbidities better, but also challenges us to be proficient in the use of all. In addition to providing a brief overview of these new medications and of the current medical management of epilepsy, this review discusses new data regarding vitamin D and AED-related osteoporosis, pregnancy registries, suicidality, marijuana-related compounds for epilepsy, and the recently published guidelines on the approach and management of a first unprovoked seizure in adults and guidelines for when to stop AEDs.

[Anticonvulsant Hypersensitivity Syndrome: A Case Report].

PubMed

Valderrama Escudero, Felipe; Montoya González, Laura Elisa

2014-01-01

DRESS syndrome (skin reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) is an idiosyncratic drug reaction characterized by rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, and internal organ dysfunction. This case report is on a patient with bipolar affective disorder who presented with a systemic inflammatory response associated with the use of valproic acid, and an important activation of symptoms when used with other drugs with a different pharmacological action mechanism. The diagnosis of DRESS syndrome is primarily by exclusion, and its detection may be difficult, which could potentially become fatal for the patient. Copyright © 2014 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Cannabinoids: is there a potential treatment role in epilepsy?

PubMed Central

Blair, Robert E; Deshpande, Laxmikant S; DeLorenzo, Robert J

2016-01-01

Cannabinoids have been used medicinally for centuries, and in the last decade, attention has focused on their broad therapeutic potential particularly in seizure management. While some cannabinoids have demonstrated anticonvulsant activity in experimental studies, their efficacy for managing clinical seizures has not been fully established. This commentary will touch on our understanding of the brain endocannabinoid system’s regulation of synaptic transmission in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, and review the findings from both experimental and clinical studies on the effectiveness of cannabinoids to suppress epileptic seizures. At present, there is preliminary evidence that non-psychoactive cannabinoids may be useful as anticonvulsants, but additional clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of these compounds for the treatment of epilepsy. PMID:26234319

Cannabinoids: is there a potential treatment role in epilepsy?

PubMed

Blair, Robert E; Deshpande, Laxmikant S; DeLorenzo, Robert J

2015-01-01

Cannabinoids have been used medicinally for centuries, and in the last decade, attention has focused on their broad therapeutic potential particularly in seizure management. While some cannabinoids have demonstrated anticonvulsant activity in experimental studies, their efficacy for managing clinical seizures has not been fully established. This commentary will touch on our understanding of the brain endocannabinoid system's regulation of synaptic transmission in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, and review the findings from both experimental and clinical studies on the effectiveness of cannabinoids to suppress epileptic seizures. At present, there is preliminary evidence that non-psychoactive cannabinoids may be useful as anticonvulsants, but additional clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of these compounds for the treatment of epilepsy.

Migraine

MedlinePlus

... attacks. Many of these drugs were designed to treat other health conditions, such as epilepsy and depression . Some examples are: Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil ® ) or venlafaxine (Effexor ® ) Anticonvulsants, ...

Treatment of the Hyperactive Child

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wunderlich, Ray C.

1973-01-01

Described individually are the following forms of medical treatment for the hyperactive child: stimulants, tranquilizers, megavitamins, corticosteroids, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, food elimination, air filtration, allergic desensitization, perceptual motor training, and behavioral counseling. (DB)

Efficacy of levetiracetam in primary hemifacial spasm.

PubMed

Kuroda, Takeshi; Saito, Yu; Fujita, Kazuhisa; Yano, Satoshi; Ishigaki, Seiichiro; Kato, Hirotaka; Murakami, Hidetomo; Ono, Kenjiro

2016-12-01

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a peripherally-induced movement disorder characterized by the involuntary, unilateral, intermittent, irregular, tonic or clonic contractions of muscles innervated by the ipsilateral facial nerve. Kindling-like hyperactivity of the facial nucleus induced by constant stimulation of compressing artery is considered as the predominant mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of HFS. As a treatment for HFS, microsurgical decompression and botulinum toxin injection have been shown to be highly successful. Anticonvulsant drugs relieve HFS in some patients; however, the use of such drugs is limited owing to their side effects, predominantly in elderly patients. We experienced two elderly HFS patients who exhibited a marked response to levetiracetam (LEV) without side effects. Although the exact underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unknown, we assume anti-kindling effect as one of the important pharmacological mechanism underlying the effect of LEV against HFS. Moreover, LEV is considered to be suitable for use in elderly patients because of its good tolerability. In addition, the lack of hepatic induction or inhibition makes it an easy and safe drug when used in addition to other anticonvulsants. Although the long-term benefit remains unknown, LEV may represent an alternative treatment for elderly HFS patients who are unable to undergo or decline surgical intervention and/or botulinum toxin injections or are intolerant to other anticonvulsants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of the Combined Treatment with Umbelliferone and Four Classical Antiepileptic Drugs Against Maximal Electroshock-Induced Seizures in Mice.

PubMed

Zagaja, Mirosław; Andres-Mach, Marta; Skalicka-Woźniak, Krystyna; Rękas, Anna R; Kondrat-Wróbel, Maria W; Gleńsk, Michał; Łuszczki, Jarogniew J

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin; UMB) on the anticonvulsant potency of four classical antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PHT), phenobarbital (PB) and valproate (VPA)) in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure (MES) model. UMB administered systemically intraperitoneally (ip) in a dose of 150 mg/kg significantly elevated the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions (p < 0.05) in mice. Moreover, UMB (150 mg/kg) co-administered with PB and VPA significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant potency of these drugs by reducing their median effective doses (ED50 values) from 35.39 to 21.78 mg/kg (p < 0.01) for PB, and from 281.4 to 215.5 mg/kg (p < 0.01) for VPA. In contrast, UMB (150 mg/kg, ip) had no significant effect on the antiseizure activity of CBZ and PHT in the mouse MES model. Neither total brain PB, nor total brain VPA concentrations were altered after ip administration of UMB, indicating a pharmacodynamic nature of interactions between the tested drugs. The selective potentiation of the anticonvulsant potency of PB and VPA by UMB, and lack of any pharmacokinetic interactions between drugs, make the combinations of UMB with PB or VPA worthy of consideration for epileptic patients who are refractory to standard antiepileptic treatment. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Factors associated with anterior open bite in children with developmental disabilities.

PubMed

de Castilho, Lia Silva; Abreu, Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães; Pires E Souza, Luiz Gustavo de Almeida; Romualdo, Leiliane Teresinha de Almeida; Souza E Silva, Maria Elisa; Resende, Vera Lúcia Silva

2018-01-01

To investigate factors associated with anterior open bite in individuals aged from 2 to 33 years with developmental disabilities. This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 271 dental records were examined. The anterior open bite analyzed was determined based on clinic exam. These variables were also analyzed: gender, age, education level of mother, International Code of Diseases (ICD), mouth breathing, use of anticonvulsant drugs, hyperkinesis, pacifier use, thumb sucking, seizure, and involuntary movements. For the purposes of analysis, the individuals were categorized as being with and without anterior open bite. Variables with a p-value of < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were incorporated into the logistic regression models. Mouth breathers had a 2.60-fold (95% CI: 1.35-5.01) greater chance of exhibiting anterior open bite than nasal breathers. Pacifier users are more likely to have an anterior open bite (3.32-fold, 95% CI: 1.62-6.77). Individuals with reported involuntary movements had a 2.66-fold (95% CI: 1.26-5.63) greater chance of exhibiting anterior open bite. Users of anticonvulsants drugs had a 3.05 (95% CI: 1.57-5.92) greater chance of showing anterior open bite. Involuntary movements, mouth breathing, using anticonvulsant drugs, and using pacifier are factors associated with anterior open bite in patients with developmental disabilities. © 2017 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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

PubMed

Luszczki, Jarogniew J; Czuczwar, Stanislaw J

2004-11-01

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.

Antiepileptic Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla and Rhynchophylline Involved in the Initiation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Phosphorylation of MAPK Signal Pathways in Acute Seizures of Kainic Acid-Treated Rats

PubMed Central

Hsu, Hsin-Cheng; Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Chung-Hsiang

2013-01-01

Seizures cause inflammation of the central nervous system. The extent of the inflammation is related to the severity and recurrence of the seizures. Cell surface receptors are stimulated by stimulators such as kainic acid (KA), which causes intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway transmission to coordinate a response. It is known that Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and rhynchophylline (RP) have anticonvulsive effects, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a novel strategy for treating epilepsy by investigating how UR and RP initiate their anticonvulsive mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered KA (12 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce seizure before being sacrificed. The brain was removed 3 h after KA administration. The results indicate that pretreatment with UR (1.0 g/kg), RP (0.25 mg/kg), and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg) for 3 d could reduce epileptic seizures and could also reduce the expression of c-Jun aminoterminal kinase phosphorylation (JNKp) of MAPK signal pathways in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus brain tissues. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α remain unchanged, indicating that the anticonvulsive effect of UR and RP is initially involved in the JNKp MAPK signal pathway during the KA-induced acute seizure period. PMID:24381640

Antiepileptic Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla and Rhynchophylline Involved in the Initiation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Phosphorylation of MAPK Signal Pathways in Acute Seizures of Kainic Acid-Treated Rats.

PubMed

Hsu, Hsin-Cheng; Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2013-01-01

Seizures cause inflammation of the central nervous system. The extent of the inflammation is related to the severity and recurrence of the seizures. Cell surface receptors are stimulated by stimulators such as kainic acid (KA), which causes intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway transmission to coordinate a response. It is known that Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and rhynchophylline (RP) have anticonvulsive effects, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a novel strategy for treating epilepsy by investigating how UR and RP initiate their anticonvulsive mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered KA (12 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce seizure before being sacrificed. The brain was removed 3 h after KA administration. The results indicate that pretreatment with UR (1.0 g/kg), RP (0.25 mg/kg), and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg) for 3 d could reduce epileptic seizures and could also reduce the expression of c-Jun aminoterminal kinase phosphorylation (JNKp) of MAPK signal pathways in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus brain tissues. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 β , IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor- α remain unchanged, indicating that the anticonvulsive effect of UR and RP is initially involved in the JNKp MAPK signal pathway during the KA-induced acute seizure period.

Proconvulsant effects of the ketogenic diet in electroshock-induced seizures in mice.

PubMed

Zarnowska, Iwona; Luszczki, Jarogniew J; Zarnowski, Tomasz; Wlaz, Piotr; Czuczwar, Stanislaw J; Gasior, Maciej

2017-04-01

Among non-pharmacological treatments, the ketogenic diet (KD) has the strongest demonstrated evidence of clinical success in drug resistant epilepsy. In an attempt to model the anticonvulsant effects of the KD pre-clinically, the present study assessed the effects of the KD against electroshock-induced convulsions in mice. After confirming that exposure to the KD for 2 weeks resulted in stable ketosis and hypoglycemia, mice were exposed to electroshocks of various intensities to establish general seizure susceptibility. When compared to mice fed the standard rodent chow diet (SRCD), we found that mice fed the KD were more sensitive to electroconvulsions as reflected by a significant decrease in seizure threshold (3.86 mA in mice on the KD vs 7.29 mA in mice on the SRCD; P < 0.05) in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold (MEST) test. To examine if this increased seizure sensitivity to electroconvulsions produced by the KD would affect anticonvulsant effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), anticonvulsant potencies of carbamazepine (CBZ), phenobarbital (PB), phenytoin (PHT), and valproate (VPA) against maximal electroshock (MES)-induced convulsions were compared in mice fed the KD and SRCD. We found that potencies of all AEDs studied were decreased in mice fed the KD in comparison to those on the SRCD, with decreases in the anticonvulsant potencies ranging from 1.4 fold (PB) to 1.7 fold (PHT). Finally, the lack of differences in brain exposures of the AEDs studied in mice fed the KD and SRCD ruled out a pharmacokinetic nature of the observed findings. Taken together, exposure to the KD in the present study had an overall pro-convulsant effect. Since electroconvulsions require large metabolic reserves to support their rapid spread throughout the brain and consequent generalized tonic-clonic convulsions, this effect may be explained by a high energy state produced by the KD in regards to increased energy storage and utilization.

Aromatase inhibition by letrozole attenuates kainic acid-induced seizures but not neurotoxicity in mice.

PubMed

Iqbal, Ramsha; Jain, Gaurav K; Siraj, Fouzia; Vohora, Divya

2018-07-01

Evidence shows neurosteroids play a key role in regulating epileptogenesis. Neurosteroids such as testosterone modulate seizure susceptibility through its transformation to metabolites which show proconvulsant and anticonvulsant effects, respectively. Reduction of testosterone by aromatase generates proconvulsant 17-β estradiol. Alternatively, testosterone is metabolized into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) by 5α-reductase, which is then reduced by 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase enzyme (3α-HSOR) to form anticonvulsant metabolite 3α-androstanediol (3α-Diol), a potent GABA A receptor modulating neurosteroid. The present study evaluated whether inhibition of aromatase inhibitor letrozole protects against seizures and neuronal degeneration induced by kainic acid (KA) (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in Swiss albino mice. Letrozole (1 mg/kg, i.p.) administered one hour prior to KA significantly increased the onset time of seizures and reduced the% incidence of seizures. Pretreatment with finasteride, a selective inhibitor of 5α-reductase and indomethacin, a selective inhibitor of 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase enzyme (3α-HSOR), reversed the protective effects of letrozole in KA-induced seizures in mice. Microscopic examination using cresyl violet staining revealed that letrozole did not modify KA-induced neurotoxicity in the CA1, CA3 and DG region of the hippocampus. Letrozole treatment resulted in the reduced levels of 17-β estradiol and elevated the levels of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 3α-Diol in the hippocampus. Finasteride and indomethacin attenuated letrozole-induced elevations of 5α-DHT and 3α-Diol. Our results indicate the potential anticonvulsant effects of letrozole against KA-induced seizures in mice that might be mediated by inhibiting aromatization of testosterone to 17β-estradiol, a proconvulsant hormone and by redirecting the synthesis to anticonvulsant metabolites, 5α-DHT and 3α-Diol. Acute aromatase inhibition, thus, might be used as an

Imidazenil prevention of alprazolam-induced acquisition deficit in patas monkeys is devoid of tolerance

PubMed Central

Auta, James; Guidotti, Alessandro; Costa, Erminio

2000-01-01

The partial allosteric modulators (PAMs) of γ-aminobutyric acid-gated Cl− current intensities at γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors have high affinity but low intrinsic efficacy on benzodiazepine recognition sites. Unlike the full allosteric modulators (FAM), like alprazolam, triazolam, and diazepam, PAMs are virtually devoid of unwanted side effects, including tolerance. Imidazenil (IMD) is a PAM that elicits potent anxiolytic and anticonvulsant actions in rodents and nonhuman primates and retains its anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects, even in rodents that are tolerant to FAMs. IMD antagonizes the side effects of FAMs in rodents and nonhuman primates. Using patas monkeys and a multiple schedule with repeated acquisition and performance of chain responses, we report that IMD administration for 17 days antagonized without showing tolerance ALP-induced disruption of acquisition. PMID:10696114

Does Pregabalin Have Neuropsychotropic Effects?: A Short Perspective

PubMed Central

Marks, David M.; Patkar, Ashwin A.; Masand, Prakash S.

2009-01-01

Pregabalin is a newly developed synthetic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that is approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia and several neuropathy. It has been proven to show analgesic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and sleep enhancement effects, which could be applicable in the treatment of a variety of psychiatric disorders. There have been consistent reports that unexplained somatic symptoms (i.e., pain) may be a part of psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders. Previous researches have also suggested the possible therapeutic potential of anticonvulsants as augmentation therapy or monotherapy in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Hence this short perspective tries to prompt and facilitate a shifting of researchers' attention to potential neuropsychotropic drug role of pregabalin to treat a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders. PMID:20046375

Exacerbation of benign familial neonatal epilepsy induced by massive doses of phenobarbital and midazolam.

PubMed

Maeda, Tomoki; Shimizu, Miki; Sekiguchi, Kazuhito; Ishii, Atsushi; Ihara, Yukiko; Hirose, Shinichi; Izumi, Tatsuro

2014-08-01

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are the first-line anticonvulsants for neonatal seizures. However, in immature brains, those drugs may lead to paradoxical neuronal excitation. A patient with benign familial neonatal epilepsy developed epileptic encephalopathy after massive doses of phenobarbital that were followed by a continuous infusion of midazolam on postnatal day 3. Electroencephalography revealed rhythmic delta activity in clusters with migrating epileptic foci. After discontinuation of both drugs, the patient's consciousness promptly improved and her electroencephalography normalized on postnatal day 5. This baby developed persistent electroencephalographic seizures due to massive doses of phenobarbital and midazolam. Clinicians should be aware of this anticonvulsant-induced paradoxical neuronal excitation and the uncoupling phenomenon, especially in individuals with benign familial neonatal epilepsy, who have low seizure thresholds. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome. An unusual cause of status epilepticus.

PubMed

Zawar, Ifrah; Khan, Ashfa A; Sultan, Tipu; Rathore, Ahsan W

2015-10-01

The Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome (DDMS) results from an insult to the growing brain in utero or early infancy, which lead to loss of neurons compromising the growth of the brain. Clinical presentation includes seizures, hemiparesis, facial asymmetry, and learning disability. Radiological findings include cerebral atrophy on one side. Here, we present a case with status epilepticus who had underlying DDMS. It is a rare syndrome and uncommon cause for status epilepticus. Infections of CNS, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, intracranial bleed, trauma, congenital vascular malformations are the common causes of this syndrome. Diagnosis is established after clinical history, examination, and MRI. Intractable seizures can be controlled with appropriate anticonvulsants. Subsequently, these children may require physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy in addition to the anticonvulsant medication. Outcome is better if the seizures are controlled.

Rett Syndrome Fact Sheet

MedlinePlus

... management of symptoms — and supportive, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Medication may be needed for breathing irregularities and motor difficulties, and anticonvulsant drugs may be used to control seizures. There should be regular monitoring for scoliosis ...

Epilepsy and Other Seizure Disorders in Children: Drug Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, John A.; Knotts, Glenn R.

1976-01-01

A teacher can be valuable in aiding the recognition of seizure patterns in children and in providing further insight into possible side effects of anticonvulsant therapy, which might occur to the child in the classroom. (JD)

WORKSHOP ON THE QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPARABILITY OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROTOXICITY, WORK GROUP I REPORT: COMPARABILITY OF MEASURES OF DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROTOXICITY IN HUMANS AND LABORATORY ANIMALS

EPA Science Inventory

Assessment measures used in developmental neurotoxicology are reviewed for their comparability in humans and laboratory animals, and their ability to detect comparable, adverse effects across species. ompounds used for these comparisons include: abuse substances, anticonvulsant d...

Acute behavioral and EEG effects of NW-1015 on electrically-induced afterdischarge in conscious monkeys.

PubMed

Fariello, R G; Maj, R; Marrari, P; Beard, D; Algate, C; Salvati, P

2000-03-01

NW-1015 is a novel Na+ and Ca2+ channel blocker with broad spectrum anticonvulsant activity and an excellent safety margin. As the compound also shows sigma-1 receptor ligand properties it was deemed important to determine whether it possesses anticonvulsant properties in primates without causing behavioral and EEG abnormalities. Thus, the effects of NW-1015 on limbic electrically-induced afterdischarge (AD) were evaluated in four cynomolgus monkeys, and its activity compared to a single effective dose of phenytoin (PHT). The four male cynomolgus monkeys were chronically implanted for EEG recordings, from cortex and limbic structures. AD was induced in limbic areas by electrical stimulation. The effects of NW-1015 on the duration and the behavioral component of the AD were randomly tested at doses from 25 to 75 mg/kg and compared with the effects of PHT 50 mg/kg. Similarly to PHT, 50 mg/kg of NW-1015 significantly shortened the EEG AD and almost abolished AD elicited behavioral seizure. Only the behavioral effects of AD were reduced after administration of 25 mg/kg p.o. NW-1015 did not cause EEG or interictal behavioral alterations at doses up to 75 mg/kg p.o. These data further confirm the broad-spectrum anticonvulsant activity and a good safety profile of NW-1015 even in a primate model of complex partial seizures and suggest that its affinity for sigma-1 receptors is behaviorally irrelevant.

Vertebral Fractures and Bone Mineral Density in Patients With Idiopathic Hypoparathyroidism on Long-Term Follow-Up.

PubMed

Chawla, Himika; Saha, Soma; Kandasamy, Devasenathipathy; Sharma, Raju; Sreenivas, Vishnubhatla; Goswami, Ravinder

2017-01-01

Bone mineral density (BMD) is increased in idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (IH). Parathyroid hormone (PTH) deficiency, hypocalcemic seizures, and anticonvulsants could compromise skeletal health in IH. We assessed vertebral fractures (VFs) and related factors in IH and change in BMD during follow-up. VFs were assessed by morphometry. BMD was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometery at the lumbar spine, hip, and forearm. Change in BMD was assessed in a subset after a 10-year follow-up. The endocrine clinic of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Included were 104 patients with IH and 64 healthy controls. Hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, normal kidney function, and low serum PTH levels were used to diagnose IH. VFs were seen in 18.3% of patients with IH and 4.7% of controls (odds ratio, 4.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.28 to 16.04). Use of anticonvulsants and menopause were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with VF. Mean BMD at lumbar spine and hip were higher by 21.4% and 8.6%, respectively, in IH than in controls (P < 0.001), respectively. BMD significantly increased during follow-up at all sites. Change in BMD correlated with maintenance of the serum calcium/phosphorus ratio during follow-up. Despite increased BMD, prevalence of vertebral-fractures is greater in patients with IH, especially in postmenopausal women and those on anticonvulsant therapy. Copyright © 2017 by the Endocrine Society

Seizure susceptibility of neuropeptide-Y null mutant mice in amygdala kindling and chemical-induced seizure models.

PubMed

Shannon, Harlan E; Yang, Lijuan

2004-01-01

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) administered exogenously is anticonvulsant, and, NPY null mutant mice are more susceptible to kainate-induced seizures. In order to better understand the potential role of NPY in epileptogenesis, the present studies investigated the development of amygdala kindling, post-kindling seizure thresholds, and anticonvulsant effects of carbamazepine and levetiracetam in 129S6/SvEv NPY(+/+) and NPY(-/-) mice. In addition, susceptibility to pilocarpine- and kainate-induced seizures was compared in NPY(+/+) and (-/-) mice. The rate of amygdala kindling development did not differ in the NPY(-/-) and NPY(+/+) mice either when kindling stimuli were presented once daily for at least 20 days, or, 12 times daily for 2 days. However, during kindling development, the NPY(-/-) mice had higher seizure severity scores and longer afterdischarge durations than the NPY(+/+) mice. Post-kindling, the NPY(-/-) mice had markedly lower afterdischarge thresholds and longer afterdischarge durations than NPY (+/+) mice. Carbamazepine and levetiracetam increased the seizure thresholds of both NPY (-/-) and (+/+) mice. In addition, NPY (-/-) mice had lower thresholds for both kainate- and pilocarpine-induced seizures. The present results in amygdala kindling and chemical seizure models suggest that NPY may play a more prominent role in determining seizure thresholds and severity of seizures than in events leading to epileptogenesis. In addition, a lack of NPY does not appear to confer drug-resistance in that carbamazepine and levetiracetam were anticonvulsant in both wild type (WT) and NPY null mutant mice.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Some New Pyrimidine Derivatives Containing 1,2,4-Triazole

PubMed Central

Khanage, Shantaram Gajanan; Raju, S. Appala; Mohite, Popat Baban; Pandhare, Ramdas Bhanudas

2012-01-01

Purpose: An efficient method has been described for synthesis of 6-(substituted aryl)-4-(3,5-diphenyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-1, 6-dihydropyrimidine-2-thiol, as a beneficial antimicrobial, anticonvulsant and anticancer agents. Methods: The clalcones of title compounds were synthesized in three steps and subsequently these chalcones were further reacted with thiourea in the presence of KOH in ethanol, which led to the formation of dihydropyrimidine derivatives (4a-j). Compounds 4a-j were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity by agar well method and their anticonvulsant activity by the MES model. Anticancer activity of two newly synthesized heterocycles were evaluated at National Cancer Institute (NCI) Maryland, USA against 60 cell lines of different human tumor at a single dose of 10-5 M. Results: Compound 4b, 4c, 4d, 4i and 4j were exhibited significant antimicrobial potential against tested strains at 50μg/ml and 100μg/ml concentrations. Out of the ten compounds studied 4a, 4b, 4c, 4h and 4j showed comparable MES activity to Phenytoin and Carbamazepine after 0.5h. Tested compounds did not showed to be more potent than standard drugs after 4h. Compound 4a and 4d were found active on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (HOP-92). Conclusion: Ten noveldihydropyrimidine analogues has been synthesized, characterized and found to bepromising antibacterial, anticonvulsant and antitumor agents. PMID:24312796

INFANTILE SPASM—Response of “Salaam Seizures” to Hydrocortisone

PubMed Central

Crowther, Douglas L.

1964-01-01

Two groups of children with salaam seizures were studied—16 treated with routine anticonvulsants (control group) and 20 who had hydrocortisone added to their routine medication (Cortef-plus group). Results in the two groups were similar. PMID:14123657

Psychopharmacologic Treatment: A Note on Classroom Effects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forness, Steven R.; Kavale, Kenneth A.

1988-01-01

Intended for teachers, the article provides an introduction to the four major classes of psychotropic medication (stimulants, tranquilizers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants) commonly prescribed for children with learning or behavioral disorders. Specific effects on the classroom are addressed. (DB)

Dietary and medication adjustments to improve seizure control in patients treated with the ketogenic diet

PubMed Central

Selter, Jessica H.; Turner, Zahava; Doerrer, Sarah C.; Kossoff, Eric H.

2014-01-01

Unlike anticonvulsant drugs and vagus nerve stimulation, there are no guidelines regarding adjustments to ketogenic diet regimens to improve seizure efficacy once the diet has been started. A retrospective chart review was performed of 200 consecutive patients treated with the ketogenic diet at Johns Hopkins Hospital from 2007-2013. Ten dietary and supplement changes were identified, along with anticonvulsant adjustments. A total of 391 distinct interventions occurred, of which 265 were made specifically to improve seizure control. Adjustments lead to >50% further seizure reduction in-18%, but only 3% became seizure-free. The benefits of interventions did not decrease over time. There was a trend towards medication adjustments being more successful than dietary modifications (24% vs. 15%, p = 0.08). No single dietary change stood out as the most effective, but calorie changes were largely unhelpful (10% with additional benefit). PMID:24859788

Naloxone fails to prolong seizure length in ECT.

PubMed

Rasmussen, K G; Pandurangi, A K

1999-12-01

Electroconvulsive shock (ECS) in animals has been shown to enhance endogenous opiate systems. The anticonvulsant effects of ECS are also partially blocked by the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone, leading some investigators to postulate that the anticonvulsant effects of ECS are mediated by activation of endogenous opiates. If such a phenomenon occurs in humans, then naloxone might prolong seizure length in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In the present study, nine patients were given 2.0 mg intravenous (i.v.) naloxone 2 minutes prior to one-half of their ECT treatments. Motor seizure length was measured via the cuff technique. EEG tracings were read by an investigator blind to naloxone status. There was no difference between the two groups in either EEG or nonblindly evaluated motor seizure length. It is concluded that a dose of 2 mg naloxone does not effectively increase seizure length in ECT.

Erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome in patients receiving cranial irradiation and phenytoin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Delattre, J.Y.; Safai, B.; Posner, J.B.

1988-02-01

In 15 months we encountered eight patients with intracranial tumors who developed erythema multiforme (EM) or erythema multiforme bullosa (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). All occurred shortly after use of phenytoin (DPH) and brain radiation therapy (WBRT). The clinical picture differed from the classic form of EM in that the erythema began on the scalp and spread to the extremities, progressing in three cases to extensive bullous formation. There were no cases of EM among patients who received either DPH or radiotherapy alone. The combination of DPH, WBRT, and tapering of steroids seems to predispose to EM. The pathogenesis of the disorder ismore » probably immunologic. In the absence of seizures, anticonvulsants should not be given routinely to patients with brain tumors. When anticonvulsants are necessary in patients scheduled for WBRT, DPH may not be the drug of choice.« less

Ketone Bodies in Epilepsy

PubMed Central

McNally, Melanie A.; Hartman, Adam L.

2014-01-01

Seizures that are resistant to standard medications remain a major clinical problem. One underutilized option for patients with medication-resistant seizures is the high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet. The diet received its name based on the observation that patients consuming this diet produce ketone bodies (e.g., acetoacetate, β-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone). Although the exact mechanisms of the diet are unknown, ketone bodies have been hypothesized to contribute to the anticonvulsant and antiepileptic effects. In this review, anticonvulsant properties of ketone bodies and the ketogenic diet are discussed (including GABAergic and glutamatergic effects). Because of the importance of ketone body metabolism in the early stages of life, the effects of ketone bodies on developing neurons in vitro also are discussed. Understanding how ketone bodies exert their effects will help optimize their use in treating epilepsy and other neurological disorders. PMID:22268909

Epilepsy in the School Aged Child: Cognitive-Behavioral Characteristics and Effects on Academic Performance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Black, Kathryn C.; Hynd, George W.

1995-01-01

Children with epilepsy frequently display cognitive sequelae that are overlooked or misunderstood by educational personnel, yet may adversely impact academic performance. Reviews common cognitive-behavioral characteristics of children with epilepsy, typical effects of anticonvulsant medications, and various periictal phenomena and their relative…

The Use of Adenosine Agonists to Treat Nerve Agent-Induced Seizure and Neuropathology

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

Status epilepticus may be caused by loss of adenosine anticonvulsant mechanisms. Neuroscience. 58: 245-261. 37. Bueters, T. J., et al. 2002...Pharmacology. 113: 1386-1390. 57. Niquet, J., et al. 2015. Neuroprotective effects of deep hypothermia in refractory status epilepticus . Annals of

Literature Review: Beyond Methylphenidate--Nonstimulant Medications for Youth with ADHD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wood, Jamie G.; Crager, Jessica L.; Delap, Christopher M.; Heiskell, Kelly D.

2007-01-01

Objective: This review was conducted to provide information on nonstimulant medications used to treat ADHD. Method: Previous investigations on several groups of nonstimulant medications were reviewed, and a discussion of antidepressants, antihypertensives, atypical antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and cholinergic agents is included. Results: The…

Pharmacotherapy in Mental Retardation and Autism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Handen, Benjamin L.

1993-01-01

Reviews studies examining effects of pharmacological interventions for children with mental retardation and autism. Discusses information regarding stimulants, neuroleptics, anticonvulsants, antianxiety drugs, and antidepressant drugs as measured by their effects on laboratory and clinical measures of activity level, self-injurious behavior, and…

Nutritional Considerations for Severely Handicapped Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sobsey, Dick

Children and adults with severe disabilities may have nutritional problems due to the effects of the primary disability (including such syndromes as phenylketonuria, galactosemia, and Hurler's Disease), effects related to medications (including anticonvulsants, tranquilizers, and laxatives), effects of food preferences (restrictive food…

Dietary and medication adjustments to improve seizure control in patients treated with the ketogenic diet.

PubMed

Selter, Jessica H; Turner, Zahava; Doerrer, Sarah C; Kossoff, Eric H

2015-01-01

Unlike anticonvulsant drugs and vagus nerve stimulation, there are no guidelines regarding adjustments to ketogenic diet regimens to improve seizure efficacy once the diet has been started. A retrospective chart review was performed of 200 consecutive patients treated with the ketogenic diet at Johns Hopkins Hospital from 2007 to 2013. Ten dietary and supplement changes were identified, along with anticonvulsant adjustments. A total of 391 distinct interventions occurred, of which 265 were made specifically to improve seizure control. Adjustments led to >50% further seizure reduction in 18%, but only 3% became seizure-free. The benefits of interventions did not decrease over time. There was a trend towards medication adjustments being more successful than dietary modifications (24% vs 15%, P = .08). No single dietary change stood out as the most effective, but calorie changes were largely unhelpful (10% with additional benefit). © The Author(s) 2014.

The epileptogenic spectrum of opiate agonists.

PubMed

Snead, O C; Bearden, L J

1982-11-01

The present authors gave mu, delta, kappa, epsilon and sigma opiate receptor agonists intracerebroventricularly to rats both singly and in combination while monitoring the electroencephalogram from cortical and depth electrodes. Dose-response curves were plotted with naloxone against the changes produced by each agonist, and the effect of a number of anticonvulsant drugs on agonist-induced seizures was ascertained. Each opiate agonist produced a different seizure pattern with a different naloxone dose-response curve and anticonvulsant profile. The order of convulsive potency was epsilon greater than delta greater than mu greater than sigma much greater than kappa. Petit mal-like seizure activity was unique to the delta agonist, leucine-enkephalin, while only the mu agonist, morphine produced generalized convulsive seizures. These experiments raise the possibility that opiate systems in the brain may be involved in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of seizure disorders.

Huperzine A as a neuroprotective and antiepileptic drug: a review of preclinical research.

PubMed

Damar, U; Gersner, R; Johnstone, J T; Schachter, S; Rotenberg, A

2016-06-01

Huperzine A (HupA) is an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor extracted from Huperzia Serrata, a firmoss, which has been used for various diseases in traditional Chinese medicine for fever and inflammation. More recently, it has been used in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia with a presumed mechanism of action via central nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. HupA is marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. This article reviews newly proposed neuroprotective and anticonvulsant HupA properties based on animal studies. HupA exerts its effects mainly via α7nAChRs and α4β2nAChRs, thereby producing a potent anti-inflammatory response by decreasing IL-1β, TNF-α protein expression, and suppressing transcriptional activation of NF-κB signaling. Thus, it provides protection from excitotoxicity and neuronal death as well as increase in GABAergic transmission associated with anticonvulsant activity.

Effect of phenytoin on cortical epileptic foci in cerveau isolé rats.

PubMed

Mares, P

1994-01-01

The action of phenytoin was studied in acute experiments in rats with brainstem transection at the midcollicular level. Symmetrical epileptogenic foci were elicited in sensorimotor cortical areas of both hemispheres by local application of penicillin. Seven rats formed a control group, ten animals were pretreated with phenytoin (60 mg/kg i.p., 10 min before penicillin application). Synchronization of interictal discharges in control rats was delayed in comparison to animals with an intact brainstem; phenytoin did not influence this synchronization. Spontaneous transition of interictal into ictal activity was not abolished by phenytoin, i.e. in cerveau isolé preparations phenytoin lost this activity. The loss of anticonvulsant activity was not complete. Ictal episodes were modified; they started as very short ones and their duration progressively increased. Structures localized below the level of transection represent a site of at least one of the mechanisms of phenytoin anticonvulsant action.

Drug-nutrient interaction.

PubMed

Matsui, M S; Rozovski, S J

1982-01-01

The effect of certain drugs on nutrient metabolism is discussed. Antituberculotic drugs such as INH and cycloserine interfere with vitamin B6 metabolism and may produce a secondary niacin deficiency. Oral contraceptives interfere with the metabolism of folic acid and ascorbic acid, and in cases of deficient nutrition, they also seem to interfere with riboflavin. Anticonvulsants can act as folate antagonists and precipitate folic acid deficiency. Therefore, in some cases, supplementation with folate has been recommended simultaneously with anticonvulsant therapy. Cholestyramine therapy has been associated with malabsorption of vitamins; several reports suggest that cholestyramine affects absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins K and D and, in addition, may alter water-soluble vitamins, including folic acid. The study of the interaction of drugs and nutrients is an area that deserves a greater attention in the future, especially in groups where nutrient deficiencies may be prevalent.

Molecular determinants of voltage-dependent gating and binding of pore-blocking drugs in transmembrane segment IIIS6 of the Na(+) channel alpha subunit.

PubMed

Yarov-Yarovoy, V; Brown, J; Sharp, E M; Clare, J J; Scheuer, T; Catterall, W A

2001-01-05

Mutations of amino acid residues in the inner two-thirds of the S6 segment in domain III of the rat brain type IIA Na(+) channel (G1460A to I1473A) caused periodic positive and negative shifts in the voltage dependence of activation, consistent with an alpha-helix having one face on which mutations to alanine oppose activation. Mutations in the outer one-third of the IIIS6 segment all favored activation. Mutations in the inner half of IIIS6 had strong effects on the voltage dependence of inactivation from closed states without effect on open-state inactivation. Only three mutations had strong effects on block by local anesthetics and anticonvulsants. Mutations L1465A and I1469A decreased affinity of inactivated Na(+) channels up to 8-fold for the anticonvulsant lamotrigine and its congeners 227c89, 4030w92, and 619c89 as well as for the local anesthetic etidocaine. N1466A decreased affinity of inactivated Na(+) channels for the anticonvulsant 4030w92 and etidocaine by 3- and 8-fold, respectively, but had no effect on affinity of the other tested compounds. Leu-1465, Asn-1466, and Ile-1469 are located on one side of the IIIS6 helix, and mutation of each caused a positive shift in the voltage dependence of activation. Evidently, these amino acid residues face the lumen of the pore, contribute to formation of the high-affinity receptor site for pore-blocking drugs, and are involved in voltage-dependent activation and coupling to closed-state inactivation.

The dextromethorphan analog dimemorfan attenuates kainate-induced seizures via σ1 receptor activation: comparison with the effects of dextromethorphan

PubMed Central

Shin, Eun-Joo; Nah, Seung-Yeol; Kim, Won-Ki; Ko, Kwang Ho; Jhoo, Wang-Kee; Lim, Yong-Kwang; Cha, Joo Young; Chen, Chieh-Fu; Kim, Hyoung-Chun

2005-01-01

In a previous study, we demonstrated that a dextromethorphan analog, dimemorfan, has neuroprotective effects. Dextromethorphan and dimemorfan are high-affinity ligands at σ1 receptors. Dextromethorphan has moderate affinities for phencyclidine sites, while dimemorfan has very low affinities for such sites, suggesting that these sites are not essential for the anticonvulsant actions of dimemorfan. Kainate (KA) administration (10 mg kg−1, i.p.) produced robust convulsions lasting 4–6 h in rats. Pre-treatment with dimemorfan (12 or 24 mg kg−1) reduced seizures in a dose-dependent manner. Dimemorfan pre-treatment also attenuated the KA-induced increases in c-fos/c-jun expression, activator protein (AP)-1 DNA-binding activity, and loss of cells in the CA1 and CA3 fields of the hippocampus. These effects of dimemorfan were comparable to those of dextromethorphan. The anticonvulsant action of dextromethorphan or dimemorfan was significantly counteracted by a selective σ1 receptor antagonist BD 1047, suggesting that the anticonvulsant action of dextromethorphan or dimemorfan is, at least in part, related to σ1 receptor-activated modulation of AP-1 transcription factors. We asked whether dimemorfan produces the behavioral side effects seen with dextromethorphan or dextrorphan (a phencyclidine-like metabolite of dextromethorphan). Conditioned place preference and circling behaviors were significantly increased in mice treated with phencyclidine, dextrorphan or dextromethorphan, while mice treated with dimemorfan showed no behavioral side effects. Our results suggest that dimemorfan is equipotent to dextromethorphan in preventing KA-induced seizures, while it may lack behavioral effects, such as psychotomimetic reactions. PMID:15723099

Phenobarbitone, neonatal seizures, and video-EEG

PubMed Central

Boylan, G; Rennie, J; Pressler, R; Wilson, G; Morton, M; Binnie, C

2002-01-01

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of phenobarbitone as an anticonvulsant in neonates. Methods: An observational study using video-EEG telemetry. Video-EEG was obtained before treatment was started, for an hour after treatment was given, two hours after treatment was given, and again between 12 and 24 hours after treatment was given. Patients were recruited from all babies who required phenobarbitone (20–40 mg/kg intravenously over 20 minutes) for suspected clinical seizures and had EEG monitoring one hour before and up to 24 hours after the initial dose. An EEG seizure discharge was defined as a sudden repetitive stereotyped discharge lasting for at least 10 seconds. Neonatal status epilepticus was defined as continuous seizure activity for at least 30 minutes. Seizures were categorised as EEG seizure discharges only (electrographic), or as EEG seizure discharges with accompanying clinical manifestations (electroclinical). Surviving babies were assessed at one year using the Griffiths neurodevelopmental score. Results: Fourteen babies were studied. Four responded to phenobarbitone; these had normal or moderately abnormal EEG background abnormalities and outcome was good. In the other 10 babies electrographic seizures increased after treatment, whereas electroclinical seizures reduced. Three babies were treated with second line anticonvulsants, of whom two responded. One of these had a normal neurodevelopmental score at one year, but the outcome for the remainder of the whole group was poor. Conclusion: Phenobarbitone is often ineffective as a first line anticonvulsant in neonates with seizures in whom the background EEG is significantly abnormal. PMID:11978746

Recent Advances in Antiepileptic Herbal Medicine.

PubMed

Manchishi, Stephen M

2018-01-01

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, with about 80 percent of cases thought to be in developing nations where it is mostly linked to superstition. The limited supply, high cost as well as low efficacy and adverse side effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a matter of major concern. Herbal medicine has always been traditionally part of treatment of epilepsy. Herbal medicines are generally well tolerated, with fewer side effects. To highlight some herbal extracts that have been studied for their anticonvulsant activity in animal models, literature search from PubMed and Science Direct, was performed. The keywords for the search consisted of combinations of the following terms: Herbal antiepileptic and/or anticonvulsant, botanicals + epilepsy. Literature published in the last five years was considered. Eighteen (18) anticonvulsant herbal agents are reported and discussed. Experiments mostly consisted of phenotypic screens in rodents, with little diversity in screening methods. In most experiments, the tested extracts prolonged the time to onset of seizures and decreased their duration. Most experimenters implicate potentiation of GABAergic activity as the mode of action of the extracts, even though some experimenters did not fully characterise the bioactive chemical composition of their extracts. Potential herbal remedies have shown positive results in animal models. It remains unclear how many make it into clinical trials and eventually making part of the AED list. More rigorous research, applying strict research methodology with uniform herbal combinations, as well as clinical studies are urgently needed. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Intravenous and oral levetiracetam in patients with a suspected primary brain tumor and symptomatic seizures undergoing neurosurgery: the HELLO trial.

PubMed

Bähr, Oliver; Hermisson, Mirjam; Rona, Sabine; Rieger, Johannes; Nussbaum, Susanne; Körtvelyessy, Peter; Franz, Kea; Tatagiba, Marcos; Seifert, Volker; Weller, Michael; Steinbach, Joachim P

2012-02-01

Levetiracetam (LEV) is a newer anticonvulsant with a favorable safety profile. There seem to be no relevant drug interactions, and an intravenous formulation is available. Therefore, LEV might be a suitable drug for the perioperative anticonvulsive therapy of patients with suspected brain tumors undergoing neurosurgery. In this prospective study (NCT00571155) patients with suspected primary brain tumors and tumor-related seizures were perioperatively treated with oral and intravenous LEV up to 4 weeks before and until 4 weeks after a planned neurosurgical procedure. Thirty patients with brain tumor-related seizures and intended neurosurgery were included. Three patients did not undergo the scheduled surgery after enrollment, and two patients were lost to follow-up. Therefore, 25 patients were fully evaluable. After initiation of therapy with LEV, 100% of the patients were seizure-free in the pre-surgery phase (3 days up to 4 weeks before surgery), 88% in the 48 h post-surgery phase and 84% in the early follow-up phase (48 h to 4 weeks post surgery). Treatment failure even after dose escalation to 3,000 mg/day occurred in three patients. No serious adverse events related to the treatment with LEV occurred. Our data show the feasibility and safety of oral and intravenous LEV in the perioperative treatment of tumor-related seizures. Although this was a single arm study, the efficacy of LEV appears promising. Considering the side effects and interactions of other anticonvulsants, LEV seems to be a favorable option in the perioperative treatment of brain tumor-related seizures.

Effect of Combined Treatment with AT1 Receptor Antagonists and Tiagabine on Seizures, Memory and Motor Coordination in Mice.

PubMed

Łukawski, Krzysztof; Janowska, Agnieszka; Czuczwar, Stanisław J

2015-01-01

Losartan and telmisartan, angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonists, are widely used antihypertensive drugs in patients. It is also known that arterial hypertension is often present in people with epilepsy, therefore, drug interactions between AT1 receptor antagonists and antiepileptic drugs can occur in clinical practice. The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of losartan and telmisartan on the anticonvulsant activity of tiagabine, a second-generation antiepileptic drug, in mice. Additionally, the effect of the combined treatment with AT1 receptor antagonists and TGB on long-term memory and motor coordination has been assessed in animals. The study was performed on male Swiss mice. Convulsions were examined in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test. Long-term memory was measured in the passive-avoidance task and motor coordination was evaluated in the chimney test. AT1 receptor antagonists and TGB were administered intraperitoneally. Losartan (50 mg/kg) or telmisartan (30 mg/kg) did not influence the anticonvulsant activity of TGB applied at doses of 2, 4 and 6 mg/kg. However, both AT1 receptor antagonists in combinations with TGB (6 mg/kg) impaired motor coordination in the chimney test. The concomitant treatment of the drugs did not decrease retention in the passive avoidance task. It is suggested that losartan and telmisartan should not affect the anticonvulsant action of TGB in people with epilepsy. Because the combined treatment with AT1 receptor antagonists and TGB led to neurotoxic effects in animals, caution is advised during concomitant use of these drugs in patients.

Studies on neuropharmacological profile of ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves in mice.

PubMed

Bakre, Adewale G; Aderibigbe, Adegbuyi O; Ademowo, Olusegun G

2013-10-07

Moringa oleifera (family Moringaceae), commonly called Horseradish or tree of life, is traditionally used for the treatment of epilepsy and neurologic conditions. The objective of this study is to investigate the neurobehavioural and anticonvulsant properties of the ethanol extract from the leaves of Moringa oleifera. Neurobehavioural properties were evaluated using the open field, hole board, Y-maze, elevated plus maze (EPM) and pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis. Pentylenetetrazole (leptazol), picrotoxin and strychnine induced convulsion tests were used to investigate the anti-convulsive actions of Moringa oleifera. The result showed that the extract (250-2000mg/kg) caused a significant dose-dependent decrease in rearing, grooming, head dips and locomotion (P<0.001). It also enhanced learning and memory and increased anxiogenic effect. In addition, the extract (2000mg/kg) protected mice against pentylenetetrazol induced convulsion, but has no effect on picrotoxin and strychnine induced convulsion. The effects of the extract in the various models were comparable to those of the standard drugs used except in Y-maze, EPM and picrotoxin and strychnine induced convulsion. The LD50 obtained for the acute toxicity studied using oral route of administration was >6.4g/kg. The findings from this study suggest that the ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves possesses CNS depressant and anticonvulsant activities possibly mediated through the enhancement of central inhibitory mechanism involving release γ-amino butyric acid (GABA). The results partially justified the traditional use of the extract for the treatment of epilepsy. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Orthosiphon stamineus Leaf Extract Affects TNF-α and Seizures in a Zebrafish Model

PubMed Central

Choo, Brandon Kar Meng; Kundap, Uday P.; Kumari, Yatinesh; Hue, Seow-Mun; Othman, Iekhsan; Shaikh, Mohd Farooq

2018-01-01

Epileptic seizures result from abnormal brain activity and can affect motor, autonomic and sensory function; as well as, memory, cognition, behavior, or emotional state. Effective anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are available but have tolerability issues due to their side effects. The Malaysian herb Orthosiphon stamineus, is a traditional epilepsy remedy and possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and free-radical scavenging abilities, all of which are known to protect against seizures. This experiment thus aimed to explore if an ethanolic leaf extract of O. stamineus has the potential to be a novel symptomatic treatment for epileptic seizures in a zebrafish model; and the effects of the extract on the expression levels of several genes in the zebrafish brain which are associated with seizures. The results of this study indicate that O. stamineus has the potential to be a novel symptomatic treatment for epileptic seizures as it is pharmacologically active against seizures in a zebrafish model. The anti-convulsive effect of this extract is also comparable to that of diazepam at higher doses and can surpass diazepam in certain cases. Treatment with the extract also counteracts the upregulation of NF-κB, NPY and TNF-α as a result of a Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) treated seizure. The anti-convulsive action for this extract could be at least partially due to its downregulation of TNF-α. Future work could include the discovery of the active anti-convulsive compound, as well as determine if the extract does not cause cognitive impairment in zebrafish. PMID:29527169

Alteration of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold by chronic administration of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract in male mice.

PubMed

Hosseini, Abdolkarim; Mirazi, Naser

2015-05-01

Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae), or ginger, used in traditional Chinese medicine, has antioxidant activity and neuroprotective effects. The effects of this plant on clonic seizure have not yet been studied. The present study evaluated the anticonvulsant effect of ginger in a model of clonic seizures induced with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in male mice. The anticonvulsant effect of Z. officinale was investigated using i.v. PTZ-induced seizure models in mice. Different doses of the hydroethanolic extract of Z. officinale (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) were administered intraperitonal (i.p.), daily for 1 week before induction of PTZ. Phenobarbital sodium (30 mg/kg), a reference standard, was also tested for comparison. The effect of ginger on to the appearance of three separate seizure endpoints, e.g., myoclonic, generalized clonic, and tonic extension phase, was recorded. Hydroethanolic extract of Z. officinale significantly increased the onset time of myoclonic seizure at doses of 25-100 mg/kg (55.33 ± 1.91 versus 24.47 ± 1.33 mg/kg, p < 0.001) and significantly prevented generalized clonic (74.64 ± 3.52 versus 47.72 ± 2.31 mg/kg, p < 0.001) and increased the threshold for the forelimb tonic extension (102.6 ± 5.39 versus 71.82 ± 7.82 mg/kg, p < 0.01) seizure induced by PTZ compared with the control group. Based on the results, the hydroethanolic extract of ginger has anticonvulsant effects, possibly through an interaction with inhibitory and excitatory systems, antioxidant mechanisms, and oxidative stress inhibition.

Movement of Individuals with Complex Epilepsy from an Institution into the Community: Seizure Control and Functional Outcomes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Litzinger, M. J.; And Others

1993-01-01

This examination of the successful community placement of 15 medically fragile individuals with profound mental retardation and complex epilepsy found that simplification of anticonvulsants, early intervention for seizures, and improved staff education resulted in fewer seizures, decreases in emergency room visits for status seizures and…

Efficacy of Pro-PAM (N-methyl-1,6-dihydropyridine-2-carbaldoxime Hydrochloride) as a Treatment for Organophosphate Poisoning

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-02-01

con- sciousness; and had anticonvulsant effects in people poisoned by parathion (Namba and Hiraki , 1958; Karlog et al., 1958; Funches, 1960; Schuchter...Pharmacodyn. Therap. 132, 180-188. UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED /10 REFERENCES (Con’t) Namba, T. and Hiraki , K. (1958) PAM (Pyridine-2-Aldoxime Methiodide

A review of two safety factors in the use of paraldehyde

PubMed Central

Bacon, Lesley

1980-01-01

Clinical observations and laboratory tests suggest that, contrary to normal practice, paraldehyde can be used with certain plastic syringes and has been safely used when well over six months old. This may make its use as an anticonvulsant in primary care more widely acceptable. PMID:7452603

Treatment of Seizure Disorders and EEG Abnormalities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tuchman, Roberto

2000-01-01

The treatment of seizure disorders and EEG epileptiform abnormalities without epilepsy in children with autism spectrum disorders in considered within the context of the relationship epilepsy and epileptiform disorders to language, behavior, and cognition. The use of anticonvulsants to treat epileptiform discharges thought to be producing…

Medications Used by Students with Visual and Hearing Impairments: Implications for Teachers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelley, Pat; And Others

This document presents summary information in chart form on medications used by students with visual and hearing impairments. First, a checklist identifies educational considerations for students who are medicated. Next, common antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, antiasthmatic and other drugs are listed in chart form with drug name, indications, peak…

Behavior Disorders in Persons with Mental Retardation Receiving Antipsychotic Medication.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ono, Yoshiro

1998-01-01

The behavior disorders of 54 Japanese individuals with mental retardation receiving antipsychotic medication were compared to 52 subjects receiving anticonvulsants and 202 subjects without medication. Results found the problem behaviors of subjects receiving antipsychotic drugs were more severe and severity of disability was associated with higher…

Audit of Psychoactive Drug Prescriptions in Group Homes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gowdey, Charles W.; And Others

1987-01-01

The survey found that of the 1,389 mentally retarded persons living in community supervised residential settings in Southwestern Ontario, 49 percent received some type of psychoactive drug. Specifically, 23 percent received anticonvulsants; 14 percent, neuroleptics; 5 percent, sedative/hypnotics; 3 percent, antidepressants; 3 percent,…

Comparative Survey of Drug Use in a Community Service System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zaharia, E. S.; Struxness, L.

1991-01-01

Drug use patterns were surveyed in Colorado's community services system for 1,282 individuals with developmental disabilities. A psychotropic drug use rate of 18.6 percent compared favorably to other reported rates and rates in Colorado's institutional settings. Substantial experience with psychotropic and anticonvulsant medications across all…

Pregabalin Modulation of Neurotransmitter Release Is Mediated by Change in Intrinsic Activation/Inactivation Properties of Cav2.1 Calcium ChannelsS⃞

PubMed Central

Di Guilmi, Mariano N.; Urbano, Francisco J.; Inchauspe, Carlota Gonzalez

2011-01-01

In this work, we studied the effects of the anticonvulsant and analgesic drug pregabalin (PGB) on excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) at principal neurons of the mouse medial nucleus of the trapezoid body and on presynaptic calcium currents at the calyx of Held. We found that the acute application of PGB reduced the amplitude of EPSCs in a dose-dependent manner with a maximal blocking effect of approximately 30%. A clinical high-concentration dose of PGB (e.g., 500 μM) blocked Cav2.1 channel-mediated currents and decreased their facilitation during a 100-Hz train, without changing their voltage-dependent activation. Furthermore, PGB also removed the inactivation of Cav2.1 channels at a clinically relevant low concentration of 100 μM. These results suggest novel modulatory mechanisms mediated by the acute administration of PGB on fast excitatory synaptic transmission and might contribute to better understanding PGB anticonvulsant/analgesic clinical effects. PMID:21177783

NMDA receptor antagonism with novel indolyl, 2-(1,1-Dimethyl-1,3-dihydro-benzo[e]indol-2-ylidene)-malonaldehyde, reduces seizures duration in a rat model of epilepsy

PubMed Central

Rothan, Hussin A.; Amini, Elham; Faraj, Fadihl L.; Golpich, Mojtaba; Teoh, Teow Chong; Gholami, Khadijeh; Yusof, Rohana

2017-01-01

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) play a central role in epileptogensis and NMDAR antagonists have been shown to have antiepileptic effects in animals and humans. Despite significant progress in the development of antiepileptic therapies over the previous 3 decades, a need still exists for novel therapies. We screened an in-house library of small molecules targeting the NMDA receptor. A novel indolyl compound, 2-(1,1-Dimethyl-1,3-dihydro-benzo[e]indol-2-ylidene)-malonaldehyde, (DDBM) showed the best binding with the NMDA receptor and computational docking data showed that DDBM antagonised the binding sites of the NMDA receptor at lower docking energies compared to other molecules. Using a rat electroconvulsive shock (ECS) model of epilepsy we showed that DDBM decreased seizure duration and improved the histological outcomes. Our data show for the first time that indolyls like DDBM have robust anticonvulsive activity and have the potential to be developed as novel anticonvulsants. PMID:28358047

New model of pharmacoresistant seizures induced by 3-mercaptopropionic acid in mice.

PubMed

Enrique, Andrea; Goicoechea, Sofía; Castaño, Rocío; Taborda, Facundo; Rocha, Luisa; Orozco, Sandra; Girardi, Elena; Bruno Blanch, Luis

2017-01-01

About 30% of the patients with epilepsy do not respond to clinically established anticonvulsants, despite having effective concentrations of the antiepileptic drug in plasma. Therefore, new preclinical models of epilepsy are needed to identify more efficacious treatments. We describe here a new drug-resistant seizure model in mice to be used at the early stages of pre-clinical trials. This model consists in inducing daily generalized seizures for 23 consecutive days by administration of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MP). As a result, 100% of animals become resistant to phenytoin and 80% to phenobarbital. Such resistance is strongly associated with the overexpression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), observed in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum while resistance to Pgp nonsubstrate drugs such as carbamazepine, diazepam and levetiracetam is not observed. This model could be useful for screening novel anticonvulsant drugs with a potential effect on pharmacoresistant seizures treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Oxcarbazepine for the treatment of trichotillomania.

PubMed

Leombruni, Paolo; Gastaldi, Filippo

2010-01-01

There is no pharmacological treatment of trichotillomania that has consistently demonstrated efficacy, although good results have been obtained with antidepressants and other drugs such as atypical antipsychotics, bupropion, lithium, and topiramate. The anticonvulsant oxcarbazepine has also been used as mood stabilizer and has been tested for treating binge eating, but there is no report on oxcarbazepine in trichotillomania. We report the case of an obese 43-year-old woman with a diagnosis of trichotillomania in comorbidity with binge eating disorder who was treated with a flexible dose of the anticonvulsant oxcarbazepine. We administered oxcarbazepine at a dosage of 1200 mg/d, and this subject improved both in hair pulling and in eating behaviors with no relapse after 9 months. Further studies with a wide sample of patients are needed to prove the efficacy of oxcarbazepine and the long-term maintenance of these benefits. Relationships of trichotillomania with bipolar spectrum should also be investigated.

Paradoxical Seizure Response to Phenytoin in an Epileptic Heroin Addict.

PubMed

Vasagar, Brintha; Verma, Beni R; Dewberry, Robert G; Pula, Thaddeus

2015-06-01

Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic window and seizures can occur at both ends of the spectrum. A 41-year-old man with a history of a seizure disorder and heroin addiction presented with dizziness following 2 generalized tonic-clonic seizures that occurred earlier that day. The patient had received a loading dose of phenytoin for seizures associated with a subtherapeutic level 5 days previously. Initial evaluation revealed an elevated phenytoin level of 32.6 mcg/mL and an opiate-positive toxicology screen. Levetiracetam was started on the day of presentation and phenytoin was held until the level returned to the therapeutic range. The patient's dizziness resolved and he had no additional seizures. Evaluation for reversible causes of seizure activity along with anticonvulsant administration is generally the standard of care for breakthrough seizures. Phenytoin blood levels, if supratherapeutic, may be at least partially responsible for breakthrough seizure activity; in this circumstance, holding phenytoin and temporarily adding another anticonvulsant may be indicated.

Optogenetic activation of superior colliculus neurons suppresses seizures originating in diverse brain networks

PubMed Central

Soper, Colin; Wicker, Evan; Kulick, Catherine V.; N’Gouemo, Prosper; Forcelli, Patrick A.

2016-01-01

Because sites of seizure origin may be unknown or multifocal, identifying targets from which activation can suppress seizures originating in diverse networks is essential. We evaluated the ability of optogenetic activation of the deep/intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (DLSC) to fill this role. Optogenetic activation of DLSC suppressed behavioral and electrographic seizures in the pentylenetetrazole (forebrain+brainstem seizures) and Area Tempestas (forebrain/complex partial seizures) models; this effect was specific to activation of DLSC, and not neighboring structures. DLSC activation likewise attenuated seizures evoked by gamma butyrolactone (thalamocortical/absence seizures), or acoustic stimulation of genetically epilepsy prone rates (brainstem seizures). Anticonvulsant effects were seen with stimulation frequencies as low as 5 Hz. Unlike previous applications of optogenetics for the control of seizures, activation of DLSC exerted broad-spectrum anticonvulsant actions, attenuating seizures originating in diverse and distal brain networks. These data indicate that DLSC is a promising target for optogenetic control of epilepsy. PMID:26721319

Synthesis of valproic acid amides of a melatonin derivative, a piracetam and amantadine for biological tests.

PubMed

Chatterjie, N; Alexander, G; Wang, H

2001-10-01

Three new amide derivatives of valproic acid have been synthesized and characterized by spectrophotometric studies. The rationale for the preparation of such agents has been based on the observation that chemical combination of the anticonvulsant pharmacophore, valproic acid with amine moieties produces more effective and less toxic amides. The amine components selected in this work also exhibit neuroactivity with the prospect of these agents being biologically active in controlling not just seizures and but also possessing neuroprotective properties. We report here the synthesis and properties of the valproylamides of 5-methoxytryptamine, related to melatonin (1), of N-substituted 2-pyrrolidinone related to piracetam (2), and of adamantylamine related to amantadine (3). In preliminary tests these compounds showed low toxicity and a variety of anticonvulsive properties, including a delay in onset of activity. These compounds and their derivatives are now available to be tested additionally for control of subclinical seizures, enhancement of cognition, behavior modification and alleviation of symptoms and disorders due to neuronal damage.

Differences in cortical vs. subcortical GABAergic signaling: a candidate mechanism of electroclinical dissociation of neonatal seizures

PubMed Central

Glykys, J.; Dzhala, V.I.; Kuchibhotla, K.V.; Feng, G.; Kuner, T.; Augustine, G.; Bacskai, BJ.; Staley, KJ.

2010-01-01

Electroclinical dissociation of neonatal seizures refers to electrographic seizure activity that is not clinically manifest. Dissociation increases after treatment with Phenobarbital, which increases the GABAA receptor (GABAAR) conductance. The effects of GABAAR activation depend on the intracellular Cl− concentration ([Cl−]i) that is determined by the inward Cl− transporter NKCC1 and the outward Cl− transporter KCC2. Differential maturation of Cl− transport observed in cortical vs. subcortical regions should alter the efficacy of GABA-mediated inhibition. In perinatal rat pups, most thalamic neurons maintained low [Cl−]i, and were inhibited by GABA. Phenobarbital suppressed thalamic seizure activity. Most neocortical neurons maintained higher [Cl−]i, and were excited by GABAAR activation. Phenobarbital had insignificant anticonvulsant responses in the neocortex until NKCC1 was blocked. Regional differences in the ontogeny of Cl− transport may thus explain why seizure activity in the cortex is not suppressed by anticonvulsants that block the transmission of seizure activity through subcortical networks. PMID:19755108

Optogenetic activation of superior colliculus neurons suppresses seizures originating in diverse brain networks.

PubMed

Soper, Colin; Wicker, Evan; Kulick, Catherine V; N'Gouemo, Prosper; Forcelli, Patrick A

2016-03-01

Because sites of seizure origin may be unknown or multifocal, identifying targets from which activation can suppress seizures originating in diverse networks is essential. We evaluated the ability of optogenetic activation of the deep/intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (DLSC) to fill this role. Optogenetic activation of DLSC suppressed behavioral and electrographic seizures in the pentylenetetrazole (forebrain+brainstem seizures) and Area Tempestas (forebrain/complex partial seizures) models; this effect was specific to activation of DLSC, and not neighboring structures. DLSC activation likewise attenuated seizures evoked by gamma butyrolactone (thalamocortical/absence seizures), or acoustic stimulation of genetically epilepsy prone rates (brainstem seizures). Anticonvulsant effects were seen with stimulation frequencies as low as 5 Hz. Unlike previous applications of optogenetics for the control of seizures, activation of DLSC exerted broad-spectrum anticonvulsant actions, attenuating seizures originating in diverse and distal brain networks. These data indicate that DLSC is a promising target for optogenetic control of epilepsy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ketone bodies in epilepsy.

PubMed

McNally, Melanie A; Hartman, Adam L

2012-04-01

Seizures that are resistant to standard medications remain a major clinical problem. One underutilized option for patients with medication-resistant seizures is the high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet. The diet received its name based on the observation that patients consuming this diet produce ketone bodies (e.g., acetoacetate, β-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone). Although the exact mechanisms of the diet are unknown, ketone bodies have been hypothesized to contribute to the anticonvulsant and antiepileptic effects. In this review, anticonvulsant properties of ketone bodies and the ketogenic diet are discussed (including GABAergic and glutamatergic effects). Because of the importance of ketone body metabolism in the early stages of life, the effects of ketone bodies on developing neurons in vitro also are discussed. Understanding how ketone bodies exert their effects will help optimize their use in treating epilepsy and other neurological disorders. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Neurochemistry © 2012 International Society for Neurochemistry.

Recognition and management of seizures in children in emergency departments.

PubMed

Caplan, Edward; Dey, Indranil; Scammell, Andrea; Burnage, Katy; Paul, Siba Prosad

2016-09-01

Seizure is defined as 'a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, which usually affects how a person appears or acts for a short time'. Children who have experienced seizures commonly present to emergency departments (EDs), and detailed history taking will usually help differentiate between epileptic and non-epileptic events. ED nurses are often the first health professionals to manage children with seizures, and this is best done by following the ABCDE approach. Treatment involves termination of seizures with anticonvulsants, and children may need other symptomatic management. Seizures in children can be an extremely distressing experience for parents, who should be supported and kept informed by experienced ED nurses. Nurses also play a vital role in educating parents on correct administration of anticonvulsants and safety advice. This article discusses the aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of children with seizures, with particular emphasis on epilepsy. It includes two reflective case studies to highlight the challenges faced by healthcare professionals managing children who present with convulsions.

Effects of Topiramate in Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shapira, Nathan A.; Lessig, Mary C.; Lewis, Mark H.; Goodman, Wayne K.; Driscoll, Daniel J.

2004-01-01

Prader-Willi syndrome is a multisystem neurogenetic obesity disorder with behavioral manifestations, including hyperphagia, compulsive behavior, self-injury, and mild to moderate mental retardation. In an 8-week open-label study, we evaluated adjunctive therapy with the anticonvulsant topiramate in 8 adults with Prader-Willi syndrome. Appetite was…

Medication Use among Australian Adults with Intellectual Disability in Primary Healthcare Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doan, Tan N.; Lennox, Nicholas G.; Taylor-Gomez, Miriam; Ware, Robert S.

2013-01-01

Background: There is concern about widespread medication use by people with intellectual disability (ID), especially psychotropic and anticonvulsant agents. However, there is sparse information on prescribing patterns in Australia. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2000 and 2002 among adults with ID who live in the community…

Pancytopenia in a patient with sickle cell anemia.

PubMed

Kim, K Y; Karayalcin, G; Rosner, F; Aballi, A

1975-10-01

An 11-year-old black boy with sickle cell anemia developed profound pancytopenia during the course of his disease, but fully recovered therefrom. The patient was receiving anticonvulsant drugs for a seizure disorder secondary to a "stroke," and, therefore, a drug-related marrow aplasia cannot be ruled out.

The Use of Medication in a Residential Institution for Mentally Retarded Persons.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silva, Dennis A.

1979-01-01

Overall use of drugs was high, with the largest percentage of clients taking major tranquilizers (21.2 percent), followed closely by those taking anticonvulsants (20.4 percent). The data suggest a decrease over the years in the use of major tranquilizers in residential institutions for the retarded. (Author/DLS)