Fasting and ketogenic diet effects on audiogenic seizure susceptibility of magnesium deficient rats

Abstract

Because fasting and ketogenic diets decrease seizure susceptibility in epileptics, their anticonvulsant effects were studied using sound-induced seizures in the magnesium-deficient rat. Fasting markedly depressed seizure incidence and severity but did not affect latency (sec to seizure onset). High-fat diet increased incidence of audiogenic seizures and seizure severity, and decreased latency. Gavage of medium chain triglyceride, beta-hydroxybutyrate or glucose did not affect seizure incidence, seizure severity or latency. Nonspecific excitability level was not associated with treatment nor with seizure incidence, severity or latency time.