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EXAMINATION OF THE ANTICONVULSANT PROPERTIES OF VOLTAGE-SENSITIVE CALCIUM CHANNEL INHIBITORS IN AMYGDALA KINDLED SEIZURES
Citation:
Mack, C. AND M. Gilbert. EXAMINATION OF THE ANTICONVULSANT PROPERTIES OF VOLTAGE-SENSITIVE CALCIUM CHANNEL INHIBITORS IN AMYGDALA KINDLED SEIZURES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-92/143 (NTIS PB92166776), 1992.
Description:
Representatives from three different classes of voltage-sensitive calcium (VSC) channel inhibitors were assessed for their protection against amygdala kindled seizures. dult male long Evans rats (n=12) were implanted with electrodes in the amygdala and were stimulated once daily until generalized stage 5 seizures (GS) were observed. ubsequently a minimum stimulus intensity required to evoke a GS was determined. he Ca++-channel antagonists (nimodipine 0.5,25,50 mg/kg; nitrendipine 0.25.50.100 mg/kg; verapamil 0.10.20,40 mg/kg and flunarizine 0,20,40,80 mg/kg) were administered po 60-90 mins prior to amygdala stimulation at the established threshold. one of the drugs altered threshold for inducing a seizure. he phenylalkylamine, verapamil, and the dihydropyridines nimodipine and nitrendipine, were without effect on amygdala kindled seizures. he diphenylalkylamine flunarizine (80 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in seizure severity (25%), AD duration (63%), and duration of clonic seizure activity (69%). t was concluded that non-NMDA Ca++-channel antagonists do possess anticonvulsant properties and do so in the absence of any overt signs of toxicity. he diphenylalkylamine flunarizine is the most efficacious. hus voltage sensitive Ca++-channels, distinct from the NMDA mediated channel, may contribute to epileptiform activity induced by kindling.