Publication: Antiepileptic Effects of Amlodipine in Mice
Date
2016
Article Type
Original Article
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN (Print) : 1993-2979 | ISSN (Online) : 1993-2987
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 116 - 120
Publisher
Institute of Medicine
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures with at least two unprovoked seizures occurring >24 hours apart. It is one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Earlier studies revealed that a potent calcium channel agonist induced convulsion and calcium channel antagonists produced antiepileptic activities. Hence, this study was carried out to assess antiepileptic effects of amlodipine since it holds a good safety profile among calcium channel blockers.Methods: Inbred Swiss albino mice of both sexes weighing between 20-30 g were used. Antiepileptic effects were assessed using Maximal Electroshock Seizure (MES) test and Pentylene tetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure test. Mice were arranged into 5 groups, each containing 6 mice: Tween-80 (Negative control). Amlodipine at the doses of 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg. 4 mg/kg and Sod. valproate (Positive control). Comparison between the test and control was done using Mann-Whitney U test and dose-dependent effects by regression analysis. P value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant.Results: In MES Test, Amlodipine in the dose of 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg significantly decreased the duration of tonic hind limb extension (P<0.01) with significant dose dependent effect (r = 0.96).In PTZ test, Amlodipine in the dose of 2 and 4 mg/kg significantly increased the latent period (P<0.05) with dose dependent increase in the latent period (r² = 0.97).However, protection offered in both the seizure models are lower with amlodipine even in higher dose as compared to Sodium valproate.
Conclusion: Amlodipine is effective to control seizure in animal models of epilepsy especially in higher doses. Amlodipine can be a good add-on drug to sodium valproate rather than an alternative to it.
Keywords: Amlodipine, Antiepileptic, Electroshock, Pentylenetetrazole
Description
SR Bajracharya
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University,Kathmandu, Nepal
KN Sathyanarayana Rao
Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Keywords
Amlodipine, Antiepileptic, Electroshock, Pentylenetetrazole