Evaluation of five methods for testing anticonvulsant activities

Nantenine alkaloid presents anticonvulsant effect on two classical animal models

The present study investigated the anticonvulsant and convulsant profiles of nantenine, an aporphine alkaloid found in several vegetal species. At lower doses (20-50 mg/kg, i.p.) the alkaloid proved to be effective in inhibiting pentylenotetrazol- (PTZ 100 mg/kg, s.c.) and maximal electroshock-induced seizures (80 mA, 50 pulses/s, 0.2 s), suggesting its potential as an anticonvulsant drug. However, at higher doses (> or = 75 mg/kg, i.p.) a convulsant activity was observed. Comparing the present in vivo nantenine effects on seizures with previous in vitro biphasic action on Na+, K+-ATPase activity, the convulsant effect appears to be related to inhibition of these phosphatase at high doses whereas anticonvulsant effect, observed at low doses, seems attributable to its stimulation and the resultant decrease of Ca2+-influx into the cell.

Triazolines XIII: delta 2-1,2,3-triazolines, a new class of anticonvulsants

A series of 1,5-diaryl-delta 2-1,2,3-triazolines has been synthesized and evaluated for the first time as potential anticonvulsant agents using the standard subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol seizure threshold and maximal electroshock seizure tests. Out of the 31 triazolines that were screened, 11 exhibited moderate anticonvulsant activity; 9 of the compounds afforded protection against pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures, while two antagonized electrically induced convulsions.

Synthesis and structure--activity relationship of a pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine derivative with antidepressant activity

The synthesis and antidepressant properties of a new pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine are described. Spectral data determined in solution and in the solid state allowed establishment of the relationship between the activity and the conformation of the molecule. The spatial structure seems to be in accordance with a possible binding at the presynaptic alpha-receptor sites.

Effects of chlordane on conditioned avoidance response, brain seizure threshold and open-field performance of prenatally-treated mice

1. Three groups of six pregnant albino mice at the third stage of gestation were given chlordane 1 or 2.5 mg/kg body weight or olive oil 10 ml/kg. They were dosed orally for seven consecutive days.2. Ten young mice, regardless of sex, were randomly selected from the progeny of each group of treated mothers and tested for conditioned avoidance response, electroshock seizure threshold, and open-field performance.3. Offspring of chlordane-treated mice made fewer conditioned avoidance responses than the controls on each day of training.4. Electroshock seizure threshold was raised.5. In the open-field test, progeny of mothers receiving the larger dose were more active than controls. A dose x days interaction indicated a complex response of the chlordane-treated mice to experience in the open-field.6. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Effect of Securigera Securidaca on electroshock seizure threshold in mice

Finely crushed seeds 100 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg of body weight of Securigera Securidaca or their extracts with petroleum ether, absolute ether or chloroform 100 mg/kg of body weight were administered to albino mice to study their effects on brain excitability. The drugs significantly increased minimal electroshock-brain seizure-threshold. This effect might be due to increase the brain concentration of γ-aminoburyric acid.