Effect of celecoxib on anticonvulsant activity of carbamazepine against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of celecoxib alone and in combination with carbamazepine (CBZ) on maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice. Celecoxib (30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 mg/kg) and CBZ (2, 4, 6 and 8 mg/kg) were each given alone in increasing doses, and CBZ was given in combination with a single dose of celecoxib (30 mg/kg) 40 min prior to electroshock-induced convulsions. The percentage protection and duration of hind limb extension were determined using an electroconvulsiometer. The ED50 value (dose at which there is protection in 50% of animals) of CBZ alone and in combination with celecoxib was determined. When administered alone, CBZ showed an increase in percentage protection at increasing doses, with 100% protection occurring at a dose of 8 mg/kg. However, treatment with celecoxib alone demonstrated maximum protection of 50% occurring at the 60 mg/kg dose. Moreover, celecoxib given at 30 mg/kg did not show any protection. Nevertheless, coadministration of celecoxib (30 mg/kg) enhanced the effect of the subprotective dose of CBZ and was more effective than CBZ given alone. Combined treatment with celecoxib enhanced the potency of CBZ and significantly reduced its ED50 value. This study suggests that celecoxib has an anticonvulsant effect of its own and it also potentiates the anticonvulsant efficacy of CBZ against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice.