Hyperandrogenism Decreases Seizure Threshold in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Plain Language SummaryThis study looked at how a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which involves higher levels of testosterone, is related to a comorbidity with epilepsy in women. They used female rats to mimic PCOS and raised their hormone levels using a drug called letrozole. Then we tested how easy these rats were kindled to seizures compared to normal rats and recorded their brain activity using electroencephalograms. We also used a common medication in PCOS, called Diane-35, to see if it could change the effects of the high testosterone levels on seizures. The results showed that the rats with PCOS-like symptoms had lower seizure thresholds and higher levels of certain hormones in their brains and blood. When they used Diane-35, the reduced testosterone in the brain affects neuronal signaling receptors, which could be linked to antiepileptic effect. Overall, this research suggests a connection between high hormone levels seen in PCOS and decreased threshold to seizures. Understanding this link could be important in developing specific treatments for people who have both epilepsy and PCOS.