Reversal of experimentally induced seizure activity in mice by glibenclamide

Background ATP sensitive potassium channels are widely distributed in central nervous system (CNS) and these channels could be the target in CNS disorders by their modulators. Purpose The present study was designed to investigate the anticonvulsant potential of glibenclamide on MES induced seizure and pentylenetetrazole induced seizure in mice. Methods Seizures were induced in 7 months albino mice with a single 12 mA intensity of 50 Hz stimulus for 0.2 s using electroconvulsiometer. Tonic flexion, tonic extension, clonic convulsion and mortality protection were recorded, 60 minutes after the oral administration of the vehicle (3% Tween 80), Standard (diazepam 3 mg/kg i.p.) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). In second model, seizures were induced with a single convulsive dose (80 mg/kg i.p) of pentylentetrazole (PTZ). Seizures were assessed in terms of onset of seizure, number of jerks, onset of tonic convulsion and clonic convulsions and mortality protection. The study was performed at antidiabetic dose of glibenclamide 5 mg/kg per oral. Results Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg p.o.) showed significant (p<0.05) protective activity in MES induced seizures and attenuated pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure activity in mice. The anticonvulsant action of glibenclamide was noticeable in this study. However, further studies are required to elucidate its full anticonvulsant potential. Conclusions Glibenclamide is able to exert protective effects in MES induced seizures and attenuates pentylenetetrazole induced seizure activity in mice.