Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Action of Nebivolol in Albino Mice

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a disorder of brain function indicating periodic and unpredictable occurrence of seizures. Hypertension is the main cause of intracerebral hemorrhage which is a triggering factor for development of epilepsy. Nebivolol, a β-blocker is an anti-hypertensive drug, could decrease the glutaminergic transmission with addition of antioxidant property as a contributing factor may possibly provide anticonvulsant effect. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to study the anticonvulsant effect of Nebivolol in Albino mice. Materials and Methods: An either sex of Albino mice weighing between 18 and 22 g were used. Forty-eight animals (n = 48) were divided into eight groups with six in each group; four groups each for maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) models, respectively. Hind Limb Flexion, Hind Limb Extension, Clonus, and Postictal Depression were observed using MES model, Seizure latency and Duration of seizures were observed using PTZ model. Results: Nebivolol showed anticonvulsant effect with MES convulsions at both 0.25 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg but this effect is not equivalent to that of phenytoin in the present study. In terms of duration of tonic hind limb flexion and post-ictal depression, Nebivolol 0.5 mg/kg dose has comparable results to that of phenytoin. In PTZ model, Nebivolol decreased the seizure duration but did not delay the seizure onset, which were comparable to the standard Diazepam. Conclusion: Nebivolol may possibly be beneficial in treating generalized tonic clonic seizures and absence seizures. However, more extended studies are needed to prove the anticonvulsant effect of Nebivolol and enable its use in clinical practice.