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Background: Majoon Najah is a polyherbal traditional Unani formulation recommended for the treatment of neurological disorders. To evaluate antiepileptic and antidepressant activity of majoon najah and majoon najah extract in experimental animals. Methods: Anticonvulsant activity was tested using maximal electroshock induced convulsion in male sprague dawley rats using diazepam 3 mg/kg, p.o. as positive control. Pentylenetetrazole induced convulsion in swiss male albino mice was performed using phenytoin 25 mg/kg i.p. as positive control. The antidepressant activity of MN was evaluated using forced swim test model in male using Imipramine 20 mg/kg, p.o. as positive control. Results: Antiepileptic study data showed reduction of all parameters like, tonic hind limb extension, clonic convulsion and stupor; however the values were not found statistically significant at all tested dose levels. The results of forced swim test model indicated that majoon najah effectively showed significant (P

The present study is objected to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of the phosphodiesterase III inhibitor cilostazol in the animal model of epilepsy. Conventional anti-epileptic rodent models like Maximal Electric Shock (MES)- induced convulsions and Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced convulsions were used. The animals were randomly divided into six groups, with six rats in every group. Here anti-epileptic activity of cilostazol with two different doses (10 mg/kg i.p and 20 mg/kg i.p) was compared with standard drug and standard drug + Cilostazol two different doses (10 mg/kg i.p and 20 mg/kg i.p). Cilostazol (20 mg/kg i.p) exhibited an anticonvulsant effect in MES-induced and PTZ induced convulsion models over the Control group and cilostazol (10 mg/kg i.p). Standard drugs were shown superiority in seizure suppression activity than cilostazol (20 mg/kg i.p). The time duration of onset of clonic convulsion and period of clonic convulsions in PTZ induced convulsion were increased and decreased respectively when compared to Standard drug + cilostazol both doses and standard drug alone. Phenytoin abolished convulsions induced by MES- convulsion model. So the present study established that cilostazol has low anticonvulsant efficacy in comparison with conventional drugs (Phenytoin and Sodium Valproate). The potentiating effect of cilostazol with standard drugs was also demonstrated.

A 15-year-old woman had a vomiting following 10 minutes of clonic convulsion after intentional overdose of cold remedy. When emergency medical technicians checked her, convulsion had subsided, however, she had a convulsion again during transportation. On arrival, she was coma state but had clear airway. Her head computed tomography (CT) was negative, however, chest roentgen and CT showed spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM). Initially, physician on duty did not know that she had had overdose, she just underwent infusion of evetiracetam and tazobactam / piperacillin. Her consciousness became clear on day 2. Post admission course was no eventful and she discharged without sequlae. We present extremely rare case of SPM immediately after a convulsion. As mechanism of such complication is poorly understood, further analysis by accumulation of such cases is necessary.

A number of currently used drugs have been obtained from medicinal plants which are a major source of drugs. These drugs are either used in their pure form or modified to a semisynthetic drug. Drug discovery through natural product research has been fruitful over the years. Traditionally, Calotropis procera is used extensively in the management of epilepsy. This study is conducted to explore the anticonvulsant effect of a hydroethanolic leaf extract of Calotropis procera (CPE) in murine models. This effect was evaluated using picrotoxin-induced convulsions, strychnine-induced convulsions, and isoniazid- and pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in mice of both sexes. The results showed that CPE (100-300 mg/kg) exhibited an anticonvulsant effect against strychnine-induced clonic seizures by significantly reducing the duration ( p = 0.0068 ) and frequency ( p = 0.0016 ) of convulsions. The extract (100-300 mg/kg) caused a profound dose-dependent delay in the onset of clonic convulsions induced by picrotoxin ( p < 0.0001 ) and tonic convulsions ( p < 0.0001 ) in mice. The duration of convulsions was reduced significantly also for both clonic and tonic ( p < 0.0001 ) seizures as well. CPE (100-300 mg/kg), showed a profound anticonvulsant effect and reduced mortality in the pilocarpine-induced convulsions. ED50 (~0.1007) determined demonstrated that the extract was less potent than diazepam in reducing the duration and onset of convulsions but had comparable efficacies. Flumazenil—a GABAA receptor antagonist—did not reverse the onset or duration of convulsions produced by the extract in the picrotoxin-induced seizure model. In isoniazid-induced seizure, CPE (300 mg kg1, p.o.) significantly ( p < 0.001 ) delayed the onset of seizure in mice and prolonged latency to death in animals. Overall, the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Calotropis procera possesses anticonvulsant properties.

This study evaluated the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective efficacy of individual or adjuvant treatment of two different antiepileptic-drugs (AEDs) phenytoin (PHT) and levetiracetam (LEV) against maximal electric shock in mice model. Twenty-five male Albino mice, randomized into five groups (n=5) received treatment as follows: groups 1 and 2 received intraperitoneal (i.p) administration of normal saline (0.1 ml), while groups 3-5 received a therapeutic dose of PHT (50 mg/kg BW) or LEV (50 mg/kg/day BW), or combination of PHT (25 mg/kg) and LEV (25 mg/kg) at sub-therapeutic doses. Thirty minutes later, the mice in groups 2-5 were challenged with maximal electroshock, while various indices of convulsion were determined, while the histomorphological profile of the hippocampus investigated. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of graph pad prism software. The results were presented as mean ± SEM in the graph or table. The level of significance was taken at p

Convulsion is a typical symptom associated with epilepsy. Jatropha gossypifolia, a common plant in Ghana, has been used traditionally for the management of epilepsy. This study was carried out to ascertain the scientific basis for the traditional utility of Jatropha gossypifolia for various convulsive disorders and also determine the part of the plant with the most anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant activity of the leaf, root, and fruit extracts in doses of 30–300 mg/kg was assessed using the picrotoxin-induced seizure models in mice. The drugs and chemical preparations used included diazepam, picrotoxin, ethanol (70%), and normal saline. GraphPad Prism 6 was used for all statistical analysis and plotting of graphs. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test. The leaf extract significantly and dose-independently reduced the frequency of myoclonic jerks ( P = 0.0001 ) and decreased the duration of clonic convulsions ( P = 0.019 ). The root extract also significantly and dose-dependently reduced the frequency of myoclonic jerks ( P = 0.001 ) but only decreased the frequency of tonic convulsions at 100 mg/kg ( P = 0.006 ). It also significantly decreased the duration of tonic convulsions ( P = 0.0001 ). The fruit extract only significantly and dose-independently reduced the frequency of myoclonic jerks ( P = 0.0001 ). It, however, showed an increase in the duration of both clonic and tonic convulsions. The study shows that the leaves and roots of Jatropha gossypifolia produce anticonvulsant activity which may be through enhancement of GABAergic transmission or activation of GABA receptors which support the traditional use of the plant to treat epileptic fits.

Background Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a rare, potentially fatal cause of ischemic stroke. It is often challenging to diagnose, especially when the presenting symptom is “seizures”. We present 3 cases of patients with BAO presenting with seizures. Case Description The first patient was a 53-year-old man with clonic convulsions. On angiography, BAO was detected and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was performed. The modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months after treatment was 1. The second patient was a 64-year-old man with generalized convulsions. He was diagnosed with BAO and vertebral artery dissection and was treated with MT, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and stenting. The modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months after treatment was 3. The third patient was a 77-year-old man with tonic convulsions. He was diagnosed with BAO and treated with MT. However, he did not survive. Conclusions BAO is devastating; however, it is a treatable disease. Our report suggests that BAO should be suspected in patients presenting with initial convulsive seizures.

The methods for preparation of fused triazolo[4,3-c]- and triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidines were developed. The Dimroth rearrangement of these systems was studied. Pharmacological investigation of the synthesized compounds was conducted in known tests, such as antagonism with subcutaneous administration of corazole and the open-field test. The rotating rod method was used to assess the neurotoxicity. Neurotropic properties were found in many derivatives of triazolopyrimidine. They, like diazepam, prevent the occurrence of clonic twitching and corazole-induced clonic convulsions in animals. All selected compounds as well as diazepam exhibit an anxiolytic effect.

A 48-year-old man was admitted to our department with generalized convulsive seizures followed by recurrent partial clonic convulsions in the left face and arm. Convulsions stopped temporarily after administration of diazepam, fosphenytoin, and levetiracetam. However, frequent partial seizures occurred repeatedly and general anesthesia was required to control seizures. Diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted images revealed a high-intensity lesion in the right frontal lobe. A tumor-like area in the white matter showed high intensity on T2-weighted images with ring enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images. An area of frontal cortex near the tumor was also enhanced. Brain surgery was performed for the purposes of diagnosis, seizure control and tumor resection. Histological findings demonstrated oligodendroglioma in the ring-enhancing area, but not in the frontal cortex. This fact indicated that contrast enhancement of the frontal cortex was caused by status epilepticus. It is important to recognize that status epilepticus could cause contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging.

The effects and mechanisms of ketogenic diets (KD) are unclear. In this study, we aimed to reveal electrographic and behavioral thresholds in responses to the KD in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures, as well as its antiepileptogenic effects on PTZ-kindling rats. Additionally, we investigated the potential link between KD and expression levels of two cation chloride co-transporters: K(+)-Cl(-) co-transporter 2 (KCC2) and Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) co-transporter 1 (NKCC1). The KD group had significantly higher electrographic thresholds than the control (ND) group for the first spike-and-wave, subcontinuous spike-and-wave, high amplitude spike-and-wave, and polyspikes both in the cortex and hippocampus. Compared to the ND group, the KD group had higher behavioral thresholds for behavioral absence, first jerk, first overt myoclonia, and generalized seizures. In the PTZ-kindling model, KD not only prolonged the latency of myoclonic and clonic convulsions, but shortened clonic and generalized duration. In addition, KD rats had higher KCC2 protein expression before kindling, during myoclonic jerks, and GTCS compared with ND rats. There were no significant differences in NKCC1 protein levels between both groups following the four-week dietary intervention without PTZ exposure (before kindling). Moreover, KD inhibited the upregulation of NKCC1 expression induced by kindling in myoclonic jerks and GTCS. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that KD had antiepileptic features in elevating thresholds to most electrographic and behavioral seizure patterns in PTZ-induced rats, as well as delaying the progression and alleviating the severity of seizure in PTZ-kindling model. The antiepileptogenic effects of KD may be attributed to its regulatory properties on KCC2 and NKCC1 protein expression.

We report here novel Schiff bases of 5-substituted-1H Indole-2, 3 Dione comparing modified with aromatic primary amine and hydrazine. A recombinant with Mannich base has been synthesized. A structure of the synthesized compounds was analyzed for structure confirmed by mass spectral data. Compound 1a-p has screened for anti-convulsant activity, increased in latency time and reduction in duration of convulsion and standard drug when compared, sodium valporate 300mg/kg. PTZ dose of 90mg/kg produced severe clonic convulsions in 88% of the mice injected, with a mean onset time of 3.61 ± 0.5 min and 80% mortality. Clonic convulsive activity lasted 2.3±0.45 min and has postictal period of decreased motor activity and subsequently. Test result revealed that compounds at dose of 300 mg/kg, the severity and duration of the convulsive episode following PTZ has not observed.

Introduction G6PD is an important enzyme in red blood cells and its deficiency renders erythrocytes susceptible to haemolysis under conditions of oxidative stress induced by oxidant drugs, ingestion of fava beans or its constituents, exposure to naphthalene, henna application, diabetic ketoacidosis and infection. It is an X-linked recessive condition, but homozygous females may also be affected. It is a common problem in some countries such the Arabian Peninsula, Turkey and the Middle-East; particularly in the Sultanate of Oman it affects 20% of male population. The main presentation is acute intravascular hemolytic anaemia and neonatal jaundice. Other nonspecific features are of chronic anaemia when there is low-grade hemolysis. Aim Raise awareness in the recognition of uncommon precipitants of hemolysis and explore further updated discussion on the efficient management of acute intravascular haemolysis due to G6PD deficiency and its sequel as well as prevention. Case report An 8-year-old child presented with generalised tonic clonic convulsion lasting about 20 min. On examination, he was pale and cyanosed with mild dehydration. Cardiac examination revealed a functional murmur. Abdominal examination was normal. Oxygen saturation was (SpO2) at admission (78%) which did not improve significantly with the administration of 10 L/min oxygen via non-rebreather mask. Urine colour was red-brown. Acute hemolytic anaemia was suspected with the association of acquired methemaglobinemia based on clinical presentation and failure of oxygen therapy to improve SpO2. Initial investigations showed Hb 4.2 g/dL, high LDH, reticulocytes 16%, Serum ferritin 3840 ug/L and blood gases showed PaO292 mm Hg and methaemoglobin 17%. Urine was strongly positive for haemoglobinuria. Careful history revealed that the day before presentation, the child was exposed to naphthalene at home. Naphthalene, available as small balls of different colours, is very attractive to children to play with and even putting the mouth as sweet and this precipitated hemolysis in this case. Outcome The child received oxygen, forced alkaline diuresis and ascorbic acid therapy, and made full recovery after 5 days hospitalisation.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anticonvulsant potential of Bryophyllum pinnatum in mice. We studied the effects of ethanolic extract of the leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum against maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions and Pentylenetetrazole(PTZ) seizure model in mice. Parameters observed in MES model were duration of hind limb tonic extension (HLTE), the total recovery time and percentage protection. In the PTZ model, the parameters observed were onset of clonic convulsions (latency period), duration of clonic phase, percentage reduction of clonic phase and percentage mortality. In the MES induced convulsion Phenytoin (25mg/ kg) was used as standard drug and in PTZ model Diazepam (4mg/kg) was used as the standard drug. Extract was used in 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg doses. Results obtained in this study substantiate the anticonvulsant effect of ethanolic extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves.

Chronic enteral administration of the standard antiepileptic drug sodium valproate at a dose of 200 mg/kg suppressed the development of generalized clonic-tonic corasol-kindled convulsions in 100% of rats but prevented kindled clonic convulsions in only 57%. This dose of sodium valproate decreased the mean severity of corasol-kindled convulsions by a factor of 1.7. Chronic enteral administration of IEM-2121, which induces combined blockade of AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors, and IEM-1676, which blocks AMPA and NMDA receptors, as well as n-cholinoreceptors, given at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively, had greater anticonvulsive activity than sodium valproate, as they decreased the mean severity of corasol-kindled convulsions by factors of 2.4–2.7 as compared with controls and prevented kindled clonic convulsions in 87% of rats. Combined blockade of AMPA and NMDA receptors and, possibly, n-cholinoreceptors, produced the greatest suppression of epileptogenesis in relation to both clonic and clonic-tonic corasol-kindled convulsions.

Acute and chronic effects of ellagic acid on pentylenetetrazole and picrotoxin-induced convulsions were evaluated in Swiss young male albino mice. Ellagic acid (20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) per se were administered once for acute treatment and 14 successive days for chronic treatment. Pentylenetetrazole (80 mg/kg, i.p.) induced tonic and clonic convulsions, but picrotoxin (6 mg/kg, i.p.) induced only tonic convulsions. Acute administration of higher dose (40 mg/kg) and chronic administration of both the doses of ellagic acid significantly delayed onset of convulsions, decreased duration of clonic and tonic convulsions; and reduced mortality as compared to pentylenetetrazole and picrotoxin treated control. Ellagic acid also reversed pentylenetetrazole and picrotoxin-induced decrease in brain GABA levels. Acute and chronic administration of diazepam showed significant anticonvulsant activity and increased brain GABA levels. Thus, ellagic acid showed significant antiepileptic activity in mice probably through increase of GABAergic transmission in brain.

A fourteen-year-old boy was admitted for three-week history of fever and nasal discharge, which persisted despite five days of antibiotics prescribed by general practitioner. After admission, he developed generalised tonic clonic convulsion for two minutes, with postictal drowsiness. Urgent computed tomography (CT) brain was performed.

Balanites aegyptiaca is used traditionally in India to treat psychoses, epilepsy, and rheumatism. The present study is aimed at investigating the anticonvulsant activity of chloroform and hydromethanolic extract of the stem bark of B. aegyptiaca which is commonly used in the Indian traditional medicine. The anticonvulsant activity of the extract was evaluated using Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) - induced convulsions in mice and maximum electro shock (MES) -induced convulsions and lithium- pilocarpine induced status epilepticus in rats. In MES Model, both the extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reduced the duration of hind limb extension. In the PTZ model, both extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) delayed the latency to myoclonic spasm and clonic convulsions significantly. In Lithium-pilocarpine model, chloroform extract (100 mg) and hydromethanolic extract (100 & 200 mg) delayed the latency to rearing with forelimb clonus significantly. The results indicate that the extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca possess biologically active compound(s) that have anticonvulsant properties, which support the ethnomedicinal use of the plant as antiepileptic agents.

The occurrence of tonic clonic convulsion in an irregularly monitored epileptic patient may pose a problem of differential diagnosis with other convulsant pathologies such as cerebral malaria. We are reporting a case of cerebral malaria that occurred in an epileptic patient whose seizures had been taken as a status epilepticus, the consequence of which was a delay diagnosis of malaria. The objective is to contribute to better monitoring of people with epilepsy. This is about a young 27-year-oldepileptic person who had stopped his treatment and was admitted to hospital on August 12th 2015 for subintrant tonic clonic seizures associated with loss of consciousness. The examination upon admission revealed a general poor condition with a clouded consciousness, colored anicteric conjunctiva, an infectious syndrome with a temperature at 39°C, severe dehydration, Heart Function at 137 beats/min, Blood Pressure at 140/90 mmHg, claret red urine (hemoglobinuria). Bicarbonates were reduced to 15 mmol/l (acidosis), the creatinine 154.6 mmol/l (functional renal failure) and thick smear came back positive with a parasite density at 819 parasites/ml. Under treatment with artemether, Depakine and amlodipine, the outcome was favorable and he was discharged/released from hospital on August 18th 2015. The occurrence of subintrant tonic-clonic seizures in an epileptic patient must lead to search and quickly eliminate an infectious cause of convulsions such as cerebral malaria.

Hedychium spicatum (Ham-ex-Smith), known as Shati in Ayurvedic classics, is documented for the treatment of cough, hiccough, fever and asthma. The present study includes the evaluation of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the dried rhizome of H. spicatum for anti-histaminic and ulcer-protective activities in guinea pig (GP), anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in rat and acute toxicity in mouse. The extracts were administered orally, daily as suspension, in 1% carboxymethyl cellulose either for 7 days in GP studies or 60 min before or just before experiment in rats and mice. An initial dose-dependent anti-histaminic action of both the extracts (100, 200 and 400 mg/ kg) was performed against histamine-induced bronchospasm in GPs. The 200 mg/ kg dose of aqueous and ethanolic extracts was selected both in GP and rat for further studies. GPs treated with aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed gastric ulcer protection against histamine-induced gastric ulcer compared with the control group. Both the extracts also showed an anti-inflammatory effect against carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats from 1 h onwards, and this was maximum at 3 h. Analgesic effect was determined by using hot plate and tail flick tests in rats, and both the extracts at 200 mg/kg showed a significant increase in the latent period from 30 min onwards till 120 min of their study period. Both the extracts did not show any toxic effect like increased motor activity, salivation, clonic convulsion, coma and death in mice even at the 2000 mg/kg dose (nearly 10 times of the optimal effective dose), indicating the safety of the extracts. The result confirms the indigenous use of this plant in respiratory disorders.

Clavulanic acid (CLAV) inhibits bacterial β-lactamases and is commonly used to aid antibiotic therapy. Prompted by the initial evidence suggestive of the potential anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties of CLAV, the present study was undertaken to systematically evaluate its acute effects on seizure thresholds in seizure tests typically used in primary screening of potential antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In the present study, 6-Hz seizure threshold, maximal electroshock seizure threshold (MEST) test, and intravenous pentylenetetrazole (i.v. PTZ) seizure tests were used to determine anticonvulsant effects of intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered CLAV in mice. Acute effects on motor coordination and muscle strength were assessed in the chimney and grip-strength tests, respectively. Doses of CLAV studied in the present study were either comparable or extended the doses reported in the literature to be effective against kainic acid-induced convulsions in mice or behaviorally active in rodents and monkeys. CLAV had no effect on seizure thresholds in the 6-Hz (64 ng/kg to 1 mg/kg) and MEST (64 ng/kg to 5 mg/kg) seizure tests. Similarly, CLAV had no effect on seizure thresholds for i.v. PTZ-induced myoclonic twitch, clonic convulsions, and tonic convulsions (64 ng/kg to 5 mg/kg). Finally, CLAV (64 ng/kg to 5 mg/kg) had no effect on the motor performance and muscle strength in the chimney and grip-strength tests, respectively. In summary, CLAV failed to affect seizure thresholds in three seizure tests in mice. Although the results of the present study do not support further development of CLAV as an AED, its beneficial effects in chronic epilepsy models warrant further evaluation owing to its, for example, potential neuroprotective properties.

In an effort to develop potent anticonvulsant agents, we have synthesized some novel schiff’s bases of 3-{[2-({(E)-[substituted) phenyl] methylidene} amino) ethyl] amino} quinoxalin-2(1H)-one and evaluated for in vivo anticonvulsant activity. All the compounds were characterized by IR, 1 H NMR data. This activity was carried out on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model. Compounds (IIIb) and (IIIc) Showed maximum time for straub tail and clonic convulsions. That means they possess good activity compared with standard. Animals treated with compounds (IIIb) and (IIIe) were recovered from this activity.

An encephalocele is a developmental disorder of neural tube closure, where as schizencephaly is a developmental disorder of neuronal migration. There are only few case reports suggesting association of schizencephaly with meningoencephalocele. We report a case of 6-year-old child who was brought by her parent with complaints of progressive swelling over her vertex since birth, left sided hemiparesis and intermittent generalized tonic clonic convulsion for last 3 years. Clinical examination, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain revealed a large calvarial defect with meningoencephalocele and associated schizencephaly. Initially, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was carried out, followed by successful repairing of the defect. This case is interesting for late presentation, management difficulties and associated anomalies "schizencephaly", which is a rare developmental disorder.

Krushinskii-Molodkina rats, which have a genetic predisposition to audiogenic convulsions, are used as a natural animal model for studies of the actions of anticonvulsants. It is important to understand the extent to which changes in glutamatergic synaptic transmission is involved in the mechanisms producing convulsive states and in the functional organization of the sleep-waking cycle in rats of this strain. The present report describes experiments addressing this, in which i.m. doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg of a noncompetitive NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist of the memantine type were given at different times (30 min, 1, 2, and 3 h) before presentation of sound stimuli (sine-wave tones at 8 kHz, 90 dB). Effects on the latent periods of the initial motor excitation, the appearance of clonic convulsions of different intensities, and, finally, tonic convulsions with limb and tail extension were evaluated. The greatest attenuation of convulsive seizures, to a level consisting only of motor excitation, was obtained in 60% of the rats between 1 and 2 h after administration. There were no differences between the effects of doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg. When doses were given 3 h before sound provocation, convulsive reactions became more marked than at 2 h, though they were nevertheless more marked than in controls. Krushinskii-Molodkina rats with chronically implanted electrodes for recording brain electrical activity were used to study the effects of memantine on the organization of sleep. These experiments showed that the rats' sleep during the first hour after dosage consisted only of short episodes of superficial slow-wave sleep, and that even this sleep disappeared completely 54.4 +/- 4.9 and 39.9 +/- 5.2 min after administration of the agent at doses of 5 and 7 mg/kg, respectively. Rats showed a complete absence of sleep for 2 and 2.5 h, respectively, after which episodes of slow-wave sleep reappeared. The first episodes of REM sleep was seen in rats only after 3.3 +/- 0.2 and 3.7 +/- 0.2 h after memantine injections. The appearance of these episodes provided evidence that the effects of memantine on the activity of the somnogenic system of the animals' brains were complete and that recovery of the normal organization of the sleep-waking cycle had started. The synchronicity and codirectionality of the blocking action of memantine on sleep organization and measures of audiogenic convulsions in Krushinskii-Molodkina rats is evidence for the involvement of glutamatergic synapses with NMDA receptors in both the regulation of the somnogenic systems and the pathogenesis of epileptiform manifestations in rats.

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid is reported to modulate several neurotransmitter systems like N-methyl-D-aspartate, nitric oxide and serotonin, which modulate convulsions. In addition, it is suggested that Berberis vulgaris may be useful in treatment of convulsion and epilepsy. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of berberine in pentylenetetrazole, maximal electroshock (MES) and kainic acid (KA)-induced convulsions. The latency for development of convulsions and mortality rate was recorded in these models using mice. The results revealed that in MES-induced seizures model, berberine (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased duration of tonic hind limb extension and percent mortality. Moreover, these doses of berberine also protected mice against KA-induced clonic convulsions and decreased mortality. Berberine also protected mice against NMDA-induced turning behavior. Further, the anticonvulsant doses of berberine did not show any signs of motor in-coordination when tested in rotarod test. In conclusion, berberine exhibits anticonvulsant activity by modulating neurotransmitter systems and may find clinical application.

Background: Many antiepileptic drugs were introduced for the treatment of epilepsy. Ideal antiepileptic drug should not only prevent but also correct the underlying pathophysiology without altering the normal neurotransmission. Calcium channel blockers may form such group because initiation of seizure is associated intrinsic burst firing which is triggered by large inward calcium current, so this study was done to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of amlodipine in albino rats.Methods: A total of 42 adult albino rats were included in the study and divided into 7 groups, each containing 6 rats. Group 1 received distilled water, group 2,3 received sodium valproate 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg, group 4-6 received amlodipine 1, 2, 4mg/kg and group 7 received combination of Amlodipine 1 mg/kg and sodium valproate 50mg/kg. Pentylenetetrazole induced seizures model was done and onset of myoclonic jerks, onset of clonic convulsions and duration of clonic convulsions was studied.Results: There was a significant anticonvulsant effect in Amlodipine doses 2, 4mg/kg (p

Background: Although roots of neem plant have established pharmacological activities such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic, there are contradictory results as far as anticonvulsant activity is concerned. Hence, the present study was undertaken to explore the anticonvulsant activity of neem roots. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to study the anticonvulsant activity of alcoholic extract of neem root. Materials and Methods: In maximal electroshock method (maximal electroshock seizure), a total of 30 albino rats of either sex weighing 200–250 g were used and divided into six groups. The control group received 2 ml of distilled water orally daily for 15 days. The standard group received phenobarbitone 20 mg/kg i.p. The test groups received orally neem leaf extract at the dose of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 15 days. Convulsions were produced by 150 mA current for 0.2 s on day 1, 3, 5, and 10 using electroconvulsiometer. Change in duration of hind limb extension was measured. In the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) method, PTZ at a dose of 60 mg/kg i.p was given to produce convulsion in all mice. A total of 30 mice were divided into five groups of six animals. The control group received orally 2 ml of distilled water daily for 15 days. The standard group received diazepam 4 mg/kg i.p. daily for 15 days. The test group received orally NLE at the dose of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 15 days. The onset of clonic convulsions and the total number of clonic convulsions in 20 min was observed. Results: The mean duration of hind limb extension in test group before the highest dose of neem extract (800 mg) administration was 8.7 ± 0.3 and after 15 days it was 8.8 ± 0.21. The mean onset of convulsions and mean number of convulsions in 20 min in the test group with highest dose of neem extract (800 mg) administration was 3.44 ± 0.24 and 42 ± 0.76, respectively, and there was no significant difference when compared to the control group. Conclusion: The alcoholic extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) root is not having any anticonvulsant activity in rodents.

Handling-induced seizures observed among 23 of 333 captive born bank voles was characterized by tonic/clonic convulsions, occasionally accompanied by an apparent loss of consciousness. Seizures were never observed among wild caught voles ( N =71). Median age for first observation of seizures was 157 days. Median latency to onset following mild handling was 12.6s and median time to resumption of normal behaviour after arrest of convulsions was 28.05s. Consecutive daily tests to provoke seizures indicated that more seizures were elicitated on the first day of testing (25.6%) compared to the following 4 test-days (8.7%). Incidence of seizure prone (SP) voles declined from 10.2% in F1 to 5.1% in F2 with no sex bias. A possible explanation for this decline could be that all F1 voles ( N =118) descended from non-stereotyping (N-Ster) parents where the majority of F2 voles ( n =138) descended from two stereotyping (Ster) parents: incidence of SP voles were five times higher among offspring from N-Ster parents than Ster parents (10–11% vs. 2.2%; p n =60) in accordance with the negative binomial distribution, which indicate a "lumped" distribution. The proportion of SP voles which had SP full siblings, was significantly higher than the proportion of non-SP voles having SP full siblings (15/23 vs. 30/310, p =0.0001), which, taken together, suggest the possibility for future establishment of lines differing in seizure proneness.

Certain types of convulsions may lead to multiorgan dysfunction. We investigated whether the chemoconvulsant pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) could influence energy synthesis in the liver besides evoking convulsions in adult male Wistar rats. In 80% of the rats PTZ (100 mg/kg body weight, administered intraperitoneally – i.p.) evoked generalised clonic convulsions (GCCs) and in 60% of the rats generalised clonic-tonic convulsions (GCTCs) within 4 min after its administration. Cytochrome c oxidase activity was simultaneously reduced approximately three-fold compared to 0.9% NaCl-treated (control) rats (p < 0.01). Midazolam administered before PTZ was an excellent anti-convulsant especially against GCCs (p < 0.05). However, it did not protect against the decrease in cytochrome c oxidase activity induced by PTZ. In contrast to midazolam, pretreatment with L-arginine did not prevent PTZ-evoked convulsions. However, it offered some protection against the PTZ-mediated reduction in cytochrome c oxidase activity. Our results open new avenues of research that will focus on the mechanisms of action of PTZ, midazolam and L-arginine with particular reference to their direct and/or indirect effects on liver function.

Background and purpose: Rho/Rho-kinase signalling is involved in many cellular events, including some in the CNS. However, the role of this pathway in epilepsy has not yet been assessed. Therefore, we determined the effects of two Rho-kinase inhibitors, Y-27632 and fasudil, on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) or maximal electroconvulsive shock (MES). Experimental approach: Effects of Y-27632 (5–10 mg kg−1) and fasudil (5–25 mg kg−1) on duration of myoclonic jerks, clonic and tonic convulsions, tonic hindlimb extensions and percentage of tonic convulsion index, as well as recovery latency for righting reflex were investigated in mice stimulated with PTZ (65 mg kg−1) or MES (50 Hz, 50 mA and 0.4 s). These inhibitors were also tested on a model of kindling induced by PTZ (35 mg kg−1, for 11 days). Membrane and cytosolic levels of RhoA protein were measured in brain homogenates from kindled mice. Key results: Y-27632 and fasudil diminished onset of myoclonic jerks, clonic convulsions and tonic hindlimb extensions in mice given PTZ. These inhibitors suppressed the percentage of tonic convulsion index and recovery latency for righting reflex in the mice excited with MES. Western blotting demonstrated that Rho translocation to plasma membrane increased in the brain homogenates obtained from PTZ-kindled mice. However, the Rho-kinase inhibitors at the given doses did not change motor coordination of the mice. Conclusions and implications: Rho/Rho-kinase signalling may play a role in epilepsy induced by PTZ and MES. Furthermore, Rho-kinase inhibitors could be novel important antiepileptic agents. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 44–51; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.225; published online 9 June 2008

We found a DE NOVO missense mutation of the gene encoding the alpha1 subunit of the neuro-nal voltage-gated sodium channel, SCN1A, in a patient with repetitive focal seizures. At 5 months of age, the patient had a first seizure characterized by loss of consciousness and clonic convulsions in the left hand followed by secondary generalization lasting for 20 minutes in association with pyrexia. Although valproate was administered, she has had generalized seizures every month, mostly in association with elevated body temperature. Since 32 months of age, she also had a different type of seizure characterized by a fearful response followed by decreased consciousness, pallor, and salivation. Myoclonia or atypical absence seizures have never been observed until the last follow-up at 42 months of age. Genetic analysis showed a heterozygous missense mutation (c.5311A>T: I1771F) in the patient, which was not detected in her parents.

Intracerebroventricular injection of recombinant human interferon-2alpha (100-500 U/rat) decreased the mean effective dose of corasol inducing clonic convulsions in 50% kindled Wistar rats. This effect was more pronounced in delayed periods of kindling and was accompanied by enhancement of epileptiform signs on EEG.

In various animal species (chicks, rats and rabbits) the intravenous injection of high doses of cefazolin, a cephalosporin not hitherto reported to produce epileptic seizures, was found to produce epileptiform electrocortrical changes similar to those evoked by intravenous benzylpenicillin. Similar phenomena as those reported after systemic injection were also observed after microinjection of cefazolin into the III cerebral ventricle. In fact, both in chicks and rats cefazolin given by the latter route produced wild running crisis, myoclonic jerks of the limbs and in some instances generalized clonic convulsions. Concomitantly, bilateral electrocortical high voltage bursts of spikes were observed, followed during the intercritic period by periodic bilateral or unilateral single spikes.

Echinodorus berteroi is an aquatic plant found in Central America and the Caribbean to which antiepileptic action has been attributed by folk medicine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential behavioral and antiepileptic effect of decoctions (1, 5, and 30%, intraperitoneally) of the dried roots. One and five percent decoctions produced hypoactivity in mice. Hyperactivity induced by amphetamine (3 mg/kg, subcutaneously) was significantly reduced by the 30% decoction, in rats. The extracts did not modify the latency to the first clonic convulsion or the survival time of isoniazid (210 mg/kg, ip)-treated mice. The 30% decoction significantly increased the latency to the first picrotoxin-induced clonic convulsion (7 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), as well as survival time. Repeated administration of the 5% decoction (30-minute intervals) significantly reduced the amplitude (μV) of the epileptic spikes induced by topical application of penicillin to sensorimotor cortex, in curare-treated rats. In summary, the root decoctions of E. berteroi paradoxically exhibited neuroleptic and antiepileptic actions. Nevertheless, these results partly justify the use of the plant for the treatment of epilepsy by practitioners of folk medicine.