Anticonvulsant Protection Research Articles

Design, synthesis, anticonvulsant, and antiarrhythmic properties of novel N-Mannich base and amide derivatives of β-tetralinohydantoin.

5,5-Diphenylhydantoin (Phenytoin) is a well-known anticonvulsant and antiarrhythmic drug which may cause unwanted side effects. In order to avoid the adverse effects of phenytoin, especially on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, two small series of amine derivatives (Mannich bases) and amide ones were designed containing β-tetralinohydantoin system. In preliminary studies, some of arylpiperazinylmethyl derivatives with a β-tetralinohydantoin moiety were effective in screening anticonvulsant tests in mice. These new amine and amide derivatives of β-tetralinohydantoin were evaluated in standard anticonvulsant screens (maximal electroshock (MES) or pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) seizure tests) and their neurotoxicity was assessed in standardized rotarod tests. Additionally, due to structural features (a hydantoin ring), influence on antiarrhythmic activity, electrocardiogram components and blood pressure was tested in rats. The new N-Mannich bases were effective in maximal electroshock or pentylenetetrazole seizures screens; and the most interesting compound 4 (1-{[4-(1-phenyethyl)-piperazin-1-yl]methyl}-3',4'-dihydro-1'H,2H,5H-spiro[imidazolidine-4,2'-naphthalene]-2,5-dione) displayed anticonvulsant activity in both the aforementioned tests. Furthermore, compound 6, an amide derivative of β-tetralinohydantoin, displayed significant antiarrhythmic activity in a barium chloride-induced arrhythmia model (ED50 16.3mg/kg), but it was devoid of anticonvulsant protection. None of the tested compounds affected the electrocardiogram components or blood pressure in normotensive rats. All new N-Mannich bases containing the β-tetralinohydantoin system and 1-phenylalkylpiperazine were classified to Anticonvulsant Screening Program 1st class. In contrast, our results suggested that the introduction of an amide bond in the alkyl side chain of the β-tetralinohydantoin system abolished the anticonvulsant activity, but not the antiarrhythmic one. However, further studies are required for a definitive conclusion.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of bioisosteres of trimethadione, N-derivative-1,2,3-oxathiazolidine-4-one-2,2-dioxides from α-hydroxyamides

The synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of novel heterocycles N-derivative-1,2,3-oxathiazolidine-4-one-2,2-dioxides, bioisosteres of trimethadione (TMD, oxazolidine-2,4-dione) and phenytoin (PHE), are described. TMD is an anticonvulsant drug widely used against absences seizures in the early 80’s and PHE is an antiepileptic drug with a wide spectrum activity. The intermediates of synthesis of N-derivative-1,2,3-oxathiazolidine-4-one-2,2-dioxides, α-hydroxyamides, were obtained using microwave assisted synthesis. Anticonvulsant screening was performed in mice after intraperitoneal administration in the maximal electroshock seizure test (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole seizures test (scPTZ). These new compounds showed a wide spectrum activity and were no neurotoxic in the RotoRod test. α-Hydroxyamides and N-derivative-1,2,3-oxathiazolidine-4-one-2,2-dioxides were 3–4700 times more potent than valproic acid in the MES test. Quantification of anticonvulsant protection was calculated (ED50) for the most active candidates; α-hydroxyamides 3a–c and 3e, and N-derivative-oxathiazolidine-4-one-2,2-dioxides 5a–c with ED50 values of 9.1, 53.9, 44.6, 25.2, 15.1, 91.1 and 0.06mg/kg, respectively, in the MES test.

Brain anticonvulsant protection of mice given chronic carbamazepine under various fatty acid and magnesium diet conditions

The anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer drug carbamazepine (CBZ) was evaluated for anti-seizure activity after drug pretreatment of young weaning mice given various oil-based diets. These diets had various mono-(MUFA) and poly-(PUFA) unsaturated fatty acid contents, were associated or not with magnesium deprivation, and were given over the entire experimental period (34 days). The diets included a commercial and three purified synthetic diets (n-6 PUFA, n-3 PUFA and MUFA-based chows containing 5% corn/sunflower oils 1:3, 5% rapeseed oil and 5% high oleic acid sunflower oil/sunflower oil 7:3, respectively). A 10-days CBZ treatment (50mg/kg/day fragmented in two daily intraperitoneal injections of 25mg/kg) was given 20 days after initiating diet administration and evaluations of mice was performed 4 days after arrest of CBZ in various seizure tests. In these conditions, CBZ pretreatment still exhibited anticonvulsant protection especially in magnesium-deficient animals. Ethosuximide (ESM)-like profiles under MUFA and n-3 PUFA diets and unusual GABAAergic profile under n-6 PUFA diet in magnesium-deficiency dependent audiogenic seizures (MDDAS) test as well as protection against NMDA-induced seizures in all lipid (n-3 PUFA>MUFA and n-6 PUFA) diet conditions were observed in CBZ-pretreated mice. By highlighting ESM-like and anti-NMDA mechanisms previously induced by an n-3 PUFA diet, present CBZ anticonvulsant properties suggest brain protective targets common to CBZ and n-3 PUFAs.

Design, anticonvulsive and neurotoxic properties of retrobenzamides. N-(Nitrophenyl)benzamides and N-(aminophenyl)benzamides.

Design, anticonvulsant properties in maximal electroshock-induced seizures [MES] and seizures induced by subcutaneous administration of pentetrazole (scPtz), and neurotoxicity of retrobenzamides (N-(nitrophenyl)benzamides and N-(aminophenyl) benzamides are reported. These data are further compared with those on carbamazepine, phenytoin, ameltolide and other reference compounds. Studies on retrobenzamides in mice dosed intraperitoneally point out a good anticonvulsant potential in the MES test for the amino derivatives (N-(aminophenyl)benzamides) and moderate activity for corresponding "nitro" derivatives. In rats dosed orally, aminoretrobenzamides were, however, less active in the MES test than in mice dosed intraperitoneally. Differences between experimental animal species and administration routes lead to hypothesize rapid metabolization of compounds, reduced intestinal resorption and increased removal from body. The presence of a methyl substitution on the N-phenyl moiety of aminoretrobenzamides attenuated these discrepancies between mice and rats. Present results indicate that pharmacological values--including the dose offering anticonvulsant protection in 50% of tested animals (ED50) and protective indices--obtained on some retrobenzamides may compete with phenytoin and carbamazepine values. By contrast with phenytoin, some retrobenzamides further exhibit activity in the scPtz test.

ChemInform Abstract: Microwave Synthesis and Anticonvulsant Activity of 2-Benzyl-1(2H)-phthalazinones.

Microwave irradiation of 1(2H)-phthalazinone with benzyl halides and potassium carbonate in dimethyl-formamide afforded 2-benzyl-1(2H)phthalazinones in modest yields. These products were tested in mice and rats in maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazole seizure models for anticonvulsant activity, and in the rotorod test for neurotoxicity. A majority of the compounds exhibited anticonvulsant protection. The p-aminobenzyl analog 1f was the most active compound in the maximal electroshock assay; it's ED50 value was 19.46 mg/kg and the TD50 was 61.35 mg/kg. In the rat, the values were 3.71 mg/kg and >125 mg/kg, respectively.

Synthesis, anticonvulsant and antimicrobial activities of some new 2-acetylnaphthalene derivatives

In this study, as a continuation of our research for new (arylalkyl)imidazole anticonvulsant compounds, the design, synthesis and anticonvulsant/antimicrobial activity evaluation of a series of 2-acetylnaphthalene derivatives have been described. Molecular design of the compounds has been based on the modification of nafimidone [1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(imidazol-1-yl)ethanone], which is a representative of the (arylalkyl)imidazole anticonvulsant compounds as well as its active metabolite, nafimidone alcohol ( 3, 4). In general, these compounds were variously substituted at the alkyl chain between naphthalene and imidazole rings and subjected to some other modifications to evaluate additional structure–activity relationships. The anticonvulsant activity profile of those compounds was determined by maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous metrazol (scM) seizure tests, whereas their neurotoxicity was examined using rotarod test. All the ester derivatives of nafimidone alcohol ( 5a– h), which were designed as prodrugs, showed anticonvulsant activity against MES-induced seizure model. Four of the most active compounds were chosen for further anticonvulsant evaluations. Quantification of anticonvulsant protection was calculated via the ip route (ED 50 and TD 50) for the most active candidate ( 5d). Observed protection in the MES model was 38.46 mg kg −1 and 123.83 mg kg −1 in mice and 20.44 mg kg −1, 56.36 mg kg −1 in rats, respectively. Most of the compounds with imidazole ring also showed antibacterial and/or antifungal activities to a certain extent in addition to their anticonvulsant activity.

Ketogenic diet and astrocyte/neuron metabolic interactions

The ketogenic diet is an anticonvulsant diet enriched in fat. It provides the body with a minimal protein requirement and a restricted carbohydrate supply, the vast majority of calories (more than 80-90%) being given by fat. Though anticonvulsant activity of ketogenic diet has been well documented by a large number of experimental and clinical studies, underlying mechanisms still remain partially unclear. Astrocyte-neuron interactions, among which metabolic shuttles, may influence synaptic activity and hence anticonvulsant protection. The astrocyte-neuron metabolic shuttles may be themselves influenced by the availability in energetic substrates such as hydrates of carbon and fats. Historically, ketogenic diet had been designed to mimic changes such as ketosis occurring upon starvation, a physiological state already known to exhibit anticonvulsant protection and sometimes referred to as water diet. For this reason, a special attention should be paid to metabolic features shared in common by ketogenic diet and starvation and especially those features that might result in anticonvulsant protection. Compared to feeding by usual mixed diet, starvation and ketogenic diet are both characterised by increased fat, lowered glucose and aminoacid supplies to cells. The resulting impact of these changes in energetic substrates on astrocyte/neuron metabolic shuttles might have anticonvulsant and/or neuroprotective properties. This is the aim of this communication to review some important astrocyte/neuron metabolic interactions (astrocyte/neuron lactate shuttle, glutamate-induced astrocytic glycolysis activation, glutamate/glutamine cycle along with the neurovascular coupling) and the extent to which the way of their alteration by starvation and/or ketogenic diet might result in seizure and/or brain protection.

Activators of potassium M currents have anticonvulsant actions in two rat models of encephalitis

Opioid systems in hippocampus regulate excitability and kappa opioids have a role in anticonvulsant protection, but their mechanisms of action are incompletely understood. We examined the ability of opioid and nonopioid agents with overlapping ionic mechanisms and actions similar to kappa opioid agonists, to block seizures in rat models of encephalitis due to Borna Disease virus and Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1. Naltrindole, a delta antagonist and thus a kappa opioid sparing agent, (10 mg/kg s.c.) blocked spontaneous and naloxone (opioid antagonist)-induced seizures in the models, but produced somatic signs similar to opioid withdrawal. Given that delta antagonists as well as kappa opioid agonists in hippocampus enhance potassium M currents ( I M), we tested the effect of the I M augmenter flupirtine. Flupirtine (20 mg/kg i.p.) prevented seizures in Borna and herpes infected rats, without signs of withdrawal, hypotonia or sedation. The results support the efficacy of opioid and nonopioid drugs in modulating naloxone-induced seizures in critical illness due to viral encephalitis and by analogy, opioid withdrawal seizures.

Virus-Induced Injury of the Dentate Gyrus: Deconstructing the Gate in the Way of Seizures

Kappa Opioid Control of Seizures Produced by a Virus in an Animal Model Solbrig MV, Adrian R, Baratta J, Lauterborn JC, Koob GF Brain 2006;129(Pt 3):642–654 Epilepsy remains a major medical problem of unknown aetiology. Potentially, viruses can be environmental triggers for development of seizures in genetically vulnerable individuals. An estimated half of encephalitis patients experience seizures and 4% develop status epilepticus. Epilepsy vulnerability has been associated with a dynorphin promoter region polymorphism or low dynorphin expression genotype, in man. In animals, the dynorphin system in the hippocampus is known to regulate excitability. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that reduced dynorphin expression in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus due to periadolescent virus exposure leads to epileptic responses. Encephalitis produced by the neurotropic Borna disease virus in the rat caused epileptic responses and dynorphin to disappear via dentate granule cell loss, failed neurogenesis and poor survival of new neurons. Kappa opioid (dynorphin) agonists prevented the behavioural and electroencephalographic seizures produced by convulsant compounds, and these effects were associated with an absence of dynorphin from the dentate gyrus granule cell layer and upregulation of enkephalin in CA1 interneurons, thus reproducing a neurochemical marker of epilepsy, namely low dynorphin tone. A key role for kappa opioids in anticonvulsant protection provides a framework for exploration of viral and other insults that increase seizure vulnerability and may provide insights into potential interventions for treatment of epilepsy.

Synthesis of certain 1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivatives with anticonvulsant, hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory potential

Starting from (1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylideneamino)-acetic acid methyl esters 6a, 6b, the aryl esters of exo-2-[methyl-(1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl)-amino]-ethanol (10a-f) and exo-2-[methyl-(1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl)-amino-2-phenyl-ethanol (10g-n) are prepared. Also, from the reaction of 1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan nitramine 4 with either 2-amino-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-propane-1,3-diol (17) or 1-aminomethyl-cyclohexanol (18), the alcohol exo-1-[(1,7,7-trimethyl-bicylo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylamino)-methyl]-cyclohexanol (13), exo-1-(4-aminophenyl)-2-(1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylamino)-propane-1,3-diol (14) and 1-(4-aminophenyl)-2-[methyl-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-amino]-propane-1,3-diol (16) are synthesized. At a dose level of 12.5 mg/kg, compounds 16 and 14 show a significant anticonvulsant protection against pentylenetetrazole seizures (100% and 83% protection, respectively) compared with diphenylhydantoin sodium (50 mg/kg, 100%) and deramciclane fumarate (25 mg/kg, 83%), used as reference drugs. Compound 10b at dose level of 50 mg/kg displayed 41%, hypoglycemic activity, compared with gliclazide (10 mg/kg, 23%) as reference drug. Furthermore, the prepared compounds are screened for their anti-inflammatory potential at a dose level of 50 mg/kg. Compounds 10i, 10g, 14 and 10m exhibited 92%, 90%, 88% and 80% inhibition in rat paw weight, respectively, with no sign of ulcerogenicity, compared with indomethecin (5 mg/kg, 81%).

Kappa opioid control of seizures produced by a virus in an animal model

Epilepsy remains a major medical problem of unknown aetiology. Potentially, viruses can be environmental triggers for development of seizures in genetically vulnerable individuals. An estimated half of encephalitis patients experience seizures and approximately 4% develop status epilepticus. Epilepsy vulnerability has been associated with a dynorphin promoter region polymorphism or low dynorphin expression genotype, in man. In animals, the dynorphin system in the hippocampus is known to regulate excitability. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that reduced dynorphin expression in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus due to periadolescent virus exposure leads to epileptic responses. Encephalitis produced by the neurotropic Borna disease virus in the rat caused epileptic responses and dynorphin to disappear via dentate granule cell loss, failed neurogenesis and poor survival of new neurons. Kappa opioid (dynorphin) agonists prevented the behavioural and electroencephalographic seizures produced by convulsant compounds, and these effects were associated with an absence of dynorphin from the dentate gyrus granule cell layer and upregulation of enkephalin in CA1 interneurons, thus reproducing a neurochemical marker of epilepsy, namely low dynorphin tone. A key role for kappa opioids in anticonvulsant protection provides a framework for exploration of viral and other insults that increase seizure vulnerability and may provide insights into potential interventions for treatment of epilepsy.

Do epilepsy and psychiatric disorders share common pathogenic mechanisms? A look at depression and epilepsy

For a long time, epilepsy has been considered a risk factor of depression as its prevalence is higher among patients with epilepsy than the general population. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that patients with a history of depression are four to six times more likely to develop epilepsy than controls. This bi-directional interaction between depression and epilepsy coupled with the therapeutic effect of various antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in epilepsy and mood disorders may suggest that common pathogenic mechanisms may be operant in both conditions. Decreased serotonergic (5HT) and noradrenergic (NE) functions have been identified as pivotal pathogenic mechanisms of depression and have been the bases for antidepressant pharmacological treatments. Disturbances of 5HT and NE functions have also been demonstrated in various experimental animal models of epilepsy. For example, two strains of genetic epilepsy prone rats (GEPR), GEPR-3 and GEPR-9 that serve as models of partial epilepsy have innate 5HT and NE pre and post-synaptic transmission deficits, which have been related to the predisposition to experience sound-induced seizures. GEPR-9 s rats have a more pronounced NE transmission deficit and exhibit more severe seizures than GEPR-3 rats. Increments of either NE and/or 5HT transmission can prevent seizure occurrence while reduction will have the opposite effect. Furthermore, the use of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), and monoamino oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) have been found to exert anticonvulsant effects in genetically prone epilepsy mice, and baboons and in (non-genetically prone) cats, rabbits and rhesus monkeys. The involvement of common neuronantomical structures in depression and epilepsy further support the hypothesis that both disorders share common pathogenic mechanisms. While involvement of mesial temporal structures and limbic structures of the frontal lobe are rather common among patients with epilepsy and depression, non-epilepsy patients have been found to have atrophy of hippocampal formation, core nuclei of the amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex and cingulate gyrus. The anticonvulsant effect of some AEDs has been shown to be mediated, at least in part by 5HT and NE mechanisms. For example, carbamazepine increases synaptic secretion of 5HT and in GEPR its anticonvulsant protection can be blocked with 5HT depleting drugs. Similarly, destruction of noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons in the rat prevents or reduces significantly the anticonvulsant effect of the vagus nerve stimulator against electroshock or pentylenetetrazol induced seizures. Finally, data from recent studies suggest that the presence of psychiatric disease and in particular depression may be associated with a worse seizure control. In other words, depression could be a marker for ‘bad epilepsy’.

In vivo modulation of extracellular hippocampal glutamate and GABA levels and limbic seizures by group I and II metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands.

The effects of several metabotropic receptor (mGluR) ligands on baseline hippocampal glutamate and GABA overflow in conscious rats and the modulation of limbic seizure activity by these ligands were investigated. Intrahippocampal mGluR group I agonist perfusion via a microdialysis probe [1 mm (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine] induced seizures and concomitant augmentations in amino acid dialysate levels. The mGlu1a receptor antagonist LY367385 (1 mm) decreased baseline glutamate but not GABA concentrations, suggesting that mGlu1a receptors, which regulate hippocampal glutamate levels, are tonically activated by endogenous glutamate. This decrease in glutamate may contribute to the reported LY367385-mediated anticonvulsant effect. The mGlu5 receptor antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (50 mg/kg) also clearly abolished pilocarpine-induced seizures. Agonist-mediated actions at mGlu2/3 receptors by LY379268 (100 microm, 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) decreased basal hippocampal GABA but not glutamate levels. This may partly explain the increased excitation following systemic LY379268 administration and the lack of complete anticonvulsant protection within our epilepsy model with the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist. Group II selective mGluR receptor blockade with LY341495 (1-10 microm) did not alter the rats' behaviour or hippocampal amino acid levels. These data provide a neurochemical basis for the full anticonvulsant effects of mGlu1a and mGlu5 antagonists and the partial effects observed with mGlu2/3 agonists in vivo.

Interactions of tiagabine with some antiepileptics in the maximal electroshock in mice

Tiagabine (TGB), a new potent γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake inhibitor, is widely applied in adjunctive treatment of partial seizures in humans. Although, polytherapy is not an initial method of epilepsy treatment, clinicians often combine TGB with other antiepileptics as add-on therapy for assuring the anticonvulsant protection in patients with refractory seizures. To evaluate the character of pharmacological interactions between TGB and some antiepileptics, the isobolographic analysis was used as a suitable method for determining the exact types of interactions. Determination of an influence of TGB on the protective effects of diphenylhydantoin (DPH), carbamazepine (CBZ), valproate (VPA), phenobarbital (PB), lamotrigine (LTG), topiramate (TPM), and felbamate (FBM) in maximal electroshock-induced seizures was essential for this study. To exclude or confirm a pharmacokinetic character of observed interactions, the free plasma and brain concentrations of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) studied were evaluated by using the immunofluorescence or high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). TGB (up to 2.5 mg/kg) remained ineffective upon the electroconvulsive threshold, whilst the drug in doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg significantly raised the electroconvulsive threshold in mice. According to the isobolography, TGB appears to act synergistically with VPA. The remaining combinations tested exerted additive interactions. A pharmacokinetic character of interaction between TGB and VPA was evidently corroborated either in plasma or brains. Moreover, TGB significantly reduced the plasma and brain concentrations of DPH; however, pharmacokinetic events were not accompanied by any changes in anticonvulsant activity of the latter. Finally, the isobolographic analysis revealed that combinations of TGB with VPA exerted synergistic (supra-additive) interaction resulting from a pharmacokinetic interaction.

Anticonvulsant activity of a mGlu 4α receptor selective agonist, (1 S,3 R,4 S)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid

The metabotropic Group III agonist, (1 S,3 R,4 S)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (ACPT-1), selective for the mGlu 4α receptor, suppresses sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice following its intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration (ED 50 5.6 [2.9–10.7], nmol i.c.v., 15 min, clonic phase) and in genetically epilepsy-prone (GEP) rats following focal administration into the inferior colliculus (ED 50 0.08 [0.01–0.50], nmol, 60 min, clonic phase). ACPT-1 also protects against clonic seizures induced in DBA/2 mice by the Group I agonist, ( RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (3,5-DHPG) (ED 50 0.60 [0.29–1.2], nmol i.c.v.) and by the Group III antagonist, ( RS)-α-methylserine- O-phosphate (MSOP) (ED 50 49.3 [37.9–64.1], nmol i.c.v.). Another Group III agonist, ( RS)-4-phosphonophenyl-glycine (PPG), preferentially activating the mGlu 8 receptor, previously shown to protect against sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice and GEP rats, also protects against seizures induced in DBA/2 by 3,5-DHPG (ED 50 3.7 [2.4–5.7], nmol i.c.v.) and by the Group III antagonist, MSOP (ED 50 40.2 [21.0–77.0], nmol i.c.v.). At very high doses (500 nmol i.c.v. and above), Group III antagonists have pro-convulsant and convulsant activity. The anticonvulsant protection against sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice provided by a fully protective dose (20 nmol, i.c.v.) of the mGlu 4 receptor agonist ACPT-1, is partially reversed by the co-administration of the Group III antagonists, MSOP, ( RS)-α-methyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine (MPPG) or ( S)-2-amino-2-methyl-4-phosphonobutanoic acid (MAP4), in the 20–50 nmol dose range. At doses of 50–200 nmol, MPPG and MAP4 cause further reversal of the ACPT-1 anticonvulsant protection, while the MSOP effect on ACPT-1 protection is abolished at higher doses. In contrast, the anticonvulsant protection against sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice provided by a fully protective dose (20 nmol, i.c.v.) of the mGlu 8 receptor agonist PPG, is not significantly affected by the co-administration of the same Group III antagonists, MSOP, MPPG or MAP4. We conclude that activation of either mGlu 4α or mGlu 8 receptors confer anticonvulsant protection in DBA/2 mice. Furthermore, the metabotropic Group III receptor antagonists, MSOP, MPPG, and MAP4 appear to be functionally selective for the mGlu 4 receptor in this system.

Anticonvulsant Activity and Plasma Level of 2,3-Benzodiazepin-4-ones (CFMs) in Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rats

DE SARRO G., M. RIZZO, C. SPAGNOLO, R. GITTO, A. DE SARRO, G. SCOTTO, M. ZAPPALA AND A. CHIMIRRI. Anticonvulsant activity and plasma level of 2,3-benzodiazepin-4-ones (CFMs) in genetically epilepsy-prone rats. PHARMACOL BIOCHEM BEHAV 63 (4), 621–627, 1999.—Anticonvulsant properties of some 2,3-benzodiazepine derivatives acting as α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) antagonists have been examined in vivo in the genetically epilepsy-prone rats using an audiogenic seizures assay. 2,3-Benzodiazepin-4-ones (CFMs) are nonselective AMPA antagonists that have been found to be potent anticonvulsant compound is in acute models of epilepsy. Because very little is known about their actions in a chronic model of epilepsy, and no correlations exist between anticonvulsant potency and plasma levels of these derivatives, we planned to investigate such a relationship. Maximal anticonvulsant protection occurred 15–60 min after the IP administration of GYKI 52466, 30–90 min after CFM-2, and 45–120 min after CFM-3. In addition, maximal anticonvulsant effect was observed 60–120 min after the IP administration of CFM-4 and at 90 min after CFM-5. The therapeutic index revealed that GYKI 52466 was slightly more toxic than CFM-2 and CFM-3. The time course of plasma levels of rats treated showed that peak plasma concentration was observed 45 min after IP administration of CFM-2 and CFM-3 and 75 min after CFM-4 and CFM-5. Following IP administration of CFM-3 two curves were detected, one is referred to the injected compound, and the other to its demethylated metabolite, which corresponds to CFM-2. Also, for the nitroderivative CFM-4 two curves were detected: one of an injected compound and the second due to its reduced metabolite (CFM-2). Finally, three different metabolites were detected in rat plasma after IP administration of CFM-5. The present study demonstrated that CFMs showed a significant protection against auditory stimulation during the period of peak plasma concentrations, suggesting a marked inhibition of those brain structures involved in the initiation and/or spreading of the audiogenic seizures.

Microwave synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of 2‐benzyl‐1(2H)‐phthalazinones

AbstractMicrowave irradiation of 1(2H)‐phthalazinone with benzyl halides and potassium carbonate in dimethyl‐formamide afforded 2‐benzyl‐1(2H)phthalazinones in modest yields. These products were tested in mice and rats in maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazole seizure models for anticonvulsant activity, and in the rotorod test for neurotoxicity. A majority of the compounds exhibited anticonvulsant protection. The p‐aminobenzyl analog 1f was the most active compound in the maximal electroshock assay; it's ED50 value was 19.46 mg/kg and the TD50 was 61.35 mg/kg. In the rat, the values were 3.71 mg/kg and >125 mg/kg, respectively.

Relationship Between Anticonvulsant Activity and Plasma Level of Some 2,3-Benzodiazepines in Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rats

DE SARRO, G. M. RIZZO, V. A. SINOPOLI, R. GITTO, A. DE SARRO, M. ZAPPALA AND A. CHIMIRRI. Relationship between anticonvulsant activity and plasma level of some 2,3-benzodiazepines in genetically epilepsy-prone rats. PHARMACOL BIOCHEM BEHAV 61(3) 215–220, 1998.—The anticonvulsant effects of some novel 2,3-benzodiazepines acting as α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid/kainate (AMPA/KA) antagonists were evaluated in genetically epilepsy prone rats. The ED 50 values against clonic and tonic seizures (in μmol/kg) revealed that the rank order of anticonvulsant activity was: GYKI 52466 > 2,3BZ-2 > 2,3 MBZ-2 > NBQX. Maximal anticonvulsant protection was observed 15–45 min after the IP administration of NBQX and GYKI 52466, 30–90 min after the IP administration of 2,3BZ-2, and 45–120 min after the IP administration of 2,3MBZ-2. The time course of plasma levels of rats treated with GYKI 52466 showed that peak plasma concentration was observed 15 min after IP administration, 2,3BZ-2 revealed that peak plasma concentration was achieved 45 min after IP administration, whereas following 2,3MBZ-2 administered IP, two curves were detected; one is referred to the parent compound and the other to its demethylate metabolite that corresponds to 2,3BZ-2. The therapeutic index (ratio of TD 50 values for impaired rotarod performance and ED 50 values for anticonvulsant activity) revealed that NBQX and GYKI 52466 were slighly more toxic than 2,3BZ-2 and 2,3MBZ-2. The present data suggest that 2,3-benzodiazepines acting at AMPA/kainate receptors play an important role in the generation and/or propagation of the audiogenic seizures in genetically epilepsy-prone rats.

Early Activation of inhibitory neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus during focal neocortical seizures

The neurons of the thalamic reticular nucleus are among the main targets of corticothalamic projections and their vulnerability in pathological conditions is well established. The present experiments aimed at the description and immunocytochemical characterization of the neurons of the thalamic reticular nucleus activated in neocortical seizures. Focal seizures were induced by the topical application of isotonic, isohydric 4-aminopyridine solution to the sensorimotor neocortex of adult, anesthetized Wistar rats. The animals were perfused with fixative after 1 and 2 h of recorded seizure activity. Coronal plane vibratome sections were incubated with cocktails of polyclonal c-fos and monoclonal parvalbumin antisera. Labeled cells in the thalamic reticular nucleus were counted and related to total cell counts. Neurons and neuropil showed strong parvalbumin immunoreactivity. Double-stained sections revealed that 55.32% of the parvalbumin-positive cell population expressed c-fos protein in their cell nuclei at the end of the 1 h seizure period. This ratio decreased to 43.5% following 2 h seizure. Labeled cells, although less in number were also observed in the contralateral thalamic reticular nucleus. Since parvalbumin labels GABAergic cells, it is tempting to speculate that this activation of intrathalamic inhibiton might exert an important anticonvulsant protection on other thalamic nuclei.

Anticonvulsant effect of reduced NMDA receptor expression in audiogenic DBA/2 mice.

Pretreatment of DBA/2 mice (n = 14-15 per group) with an 18-mer antisense probe to the NMDA-receptor submit NR1 (2 x 1 micrograms, or 2 x 83 pmol, NR1 antisense probe intracerebroventricularly, -29 and -7 h before testing for seizure response) resulted in almost complete suppression of sound-induced clonic seizures. A saline-treated group gave a 100% seizures response, while the group treated with NR1 antisense probe gave a 7% seizure response to the sound stimulus. The group treated with NR1 nonsense-probe showed no anticonvulsant protection (93% seizure response). The anticonvulsant protection observed following NR1 antisense administration was of relatively short duration, with seizure response gradually returning to control levels 12 to 24 h following the termination of antisense administration. When NR1 receptor levels were assessed by receptor autoradiography ([3H]-MK 801 and -CGP 39653 binding) in the same groups of mice, significant (20%) reductions in NR1 levels were observed in the retrosplenial cortex and the overall cortex. The seizure-induced expression of c-fos and NGFI-A in thalamus, hypothalamus, inferior colliculus and medical geniculate seen in vehicle- and NR1 nonsense-treated mice was completely blocked by NR1 antisense pretreatment.