Antiepileptic Effects of Amlodipine in Mice

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures with at least two unprovoked seizures occurring >24 hours apart. It is one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Earlier studies revealed that a potent calcium channel agonist induced convulsion and calcium channel antagonists produced antiepileptic activities. Hence, this study was carried out to assess antiepileptic effects of amlodipine since it holds a good safety profile among calcium channel blockers.Methods: Inbred Swiss albino mice of both sexes weighing between 20-30 g were used. Antiepileptic effects were assessed using Maximal Electroshock Seizure (MES) test and Pentylene tetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure test. Mice were arranged into 5 groups, each containing 6 mice: Tween-80 (Negative control). Amlodipine at the doses of 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg. 4 mg/kg and Sod. valproate (Positive control). Comparison between the test and control was done using Mann-Whitney U test and dose-dependent effects by regression analysis. P value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant.Results: In MES Test, Amlodipine in the dose of 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg significantly decreased the duration of tonic hind limb extension (P<0.01) with significant dose dependent effect (r = 0.96).In PTZ test, Amlodipine in the dose of 2 and 4 mg/kg significantly increased the latent period (P<0.05) with dose dependent increase in the latent period (r² = 0.97).However, protection offered in both the seizure models are lower with amlodipine even in higher dose as compared to Sodium valproate.

Conclusion: Amlodipine is effective to control seizure in animal models of epilepsy especially in higher doses. Amlodipine can be a good add-on drug to sodium valproate rather than an alternative to it.