Saudi Journal of Biomedical Research (SJBR)
Volume-1 | Issue-02 | 42-47
Research Article
Comparative Effect of Two Anticonvulsants (Magnesium Sulphate and Diazepam) on 4-Aminopyridine - Induced Seizures in CD1 Mice
Ofutet, E.O., Mfem, C.C., Okpo-ene, I.A., Agu C.E.
Published : June 30, 2016
Abstract
Four-aminopyridine (4-AP) is a potassium channel blocker often used in the management of some
neurological disorders, and is often accompanied with seizures as one of its side effect. This study comparatively
assessed the effects of two anticonvulsants (MgSO4 and Diazepam) on seizures induced by 4-AP in CD1 mice, with a
view to possibly recommend the combined administration of 4-AP with any of these anticonvulsants to ameliorate
convulsions (one of 4-AP’s side effects). Twenty one (21) CD1 mice weighing 20 – 25g were used for this study. They
were assigned into 3 groups (n = 7) as follows; control seizure (13.3mg kg-1 of 4-AP), seizure + diazepam (2mg kg-1),
and seizure + MgSO4 (4.5mg kg-1) groups. Induction of seizures was done 30 minutes after the intramuscular and
subcutaneous administration of the anticonvulsants (MgSO4 and diazepam, respectively), after which parameters such as;
the onset of trembling, wild running, jerking, tonic clonic seizures and time of death, were evaluated using standard
methods. The results obtained showed that MgSO4 and Diazepam delayed the onset of seizures by significantly
(p<0.001) increasing the onset of trembling, wild running, jerking, tonic clonic seizures and significantly (p<0.001)
delayed time of death compared with control. MgSO4 significantly (p<0.001) increased the onset of trembling, wild
running, jerking, tonic clonic seizures and delayed the time of death compared to diazepam. Both anticonvulsants delayed
the onset of the events that bring about seizures induced by 4-AP, but none could completely reverse seizures; therefore
the combined administration of 4-AP and either of these anticonvulsants may not offer any therapeutic benefit following
seizures induced by 4-AP.