Abnormal synchronized neuronal discharges mediated by gap junctions have an important role in epileptic
seizures. The analysis of
anticonvulsant drugs acting on gap junctions is still a priority in
epilepsy research. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of
carbenoxolone, a gap junction blocker, on the
anticonvulsant efficacy of
phenytoin in
pentylenetetrazole kindled rats. Male Wistar albino rats, 14 weeks of age, were used. In the first step of the study, animals were given PTZ 35 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) three times a week until kindling was produced. Then, indwelling screw
electrodes - allowing EEG monitoring of conscious rats - were implanted into the crania of the kindled rats. In this way, we were able to record EEG activity and evaluate seizure stage at the same time. In the second step of the study, the interaction between
carbenoxolone (40 mg/kg i.p.) and
phenytoin (60 mg/kg, i.p.) was investigated. The data analysis was performed using a one-way ANOVA with
LSD post-hoc test. Total spike number and the
generalized seizure duration were reduced in the
carbenoxolone treated group compared to the PTZ group.
Phenytoin decreased
generalized seizure duration, total spike number and seizure severity score.
Carbenoxolone and
phenytoin have anti-seizure effects in PTZ kindled rats. There was no significant difference between the
carbenoxolone +
phenytoin combination and
phenytoin in terms of
generalized seizure duration, total spike number and seizure stage. The results indicate that
carbenoxolone combined with
phenytoin is not more effective than the use of these drugs alone.