Mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid evokes seizures in mice.

Abstract

3-Nitropropionic acid, a potent inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase which thus compromises cellular energy metabolism, evoked convulsions in mice in a dose-dependent manner. CD50 for clonic seizures was 158.5 (144.1-174.3) mg/kg. Tonic seizures were not observed. Broad-spectrum anticonvulsants, namely diazepam, phenobarbital and valproate, prevented the occurrence of 3-nitropropionic acid-induced seizures with ED50 of 4.9 (3.1-7.6), 33.1 (17.9-61.0) and 389.7 (351.2-432.3) mg/kg, respectively. Diphenylhydantoin-like drugs (diphenylhydantoin, and carbamazepine), anti-absence drugs (trimethadione and ethosuximide) and acetazolamide were ineffective. The characteristics of 3-nitropropionic acid-induced seizures resembled those of convulsions evoked by another mitochondrial toxin, aminooxyacetic acid.

• Authors: E M Urbanska, P Blaszczak, T Saran, Z Kleinrok, W A Turski
• Journal: European journal of pharmacology (Eur J Pharmacol) Vol. 359 Issue 1 Pg. 55-8 (Oct 16 1998) ISSN: 0014-2999 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 9831293 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Neurotoxins
• Nitro Compounds
• Propionates
• 3-nitropropionic acid

Topics

• Animals
• Anticonvulsants (therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Male
• Mice
• Mitochondria (drug effects)
• Neurotoxins (pharmacology)
• Nitro Compounds
• Propionates (pharmacology)
• Seizures (chemically induced, drug therapy)