Elsevier

Epilepsy Research

Volume 25, Issue 3, November 1996, Pages 185-190
Epilepsy Research

Research report
Antiseizure activity of insulin: insulin inhibits pentylenetetrazole, penicillin and kainic acid-induced seizures in rats

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0920-1211(96)00078-2Get rights and content

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antiseizure activity spectrum of insulin against various behavioral seizure models in rats. Insulin was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) at a test dose of 1 U/kg. Dextrose (3 g/kg) was administered simultaneously with insulin to counteract its hypoglycemic effect and induce a normoglycemic state. Insulin was found to significantly decrease the incidence, intensity and mortality rate and prolong the latency of generalized tonic-clonic convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole (60 mg/kg i.p.) and significantly decrease the intensity and mortality rate and prolong the latency of generalized tonic-clonic convulsions induced by penicillin (2000 U/intracerebrocortical). Insulin was not only found to prolong the latency of all the seizure components but was found to reduce the incidence of focal myoclonic twitches and generalized tonic-clonic convulsions induced by kainic acid (12 mg/kg i.p.) as well. Insulin was shown to be ineffective to suppress ouabain (5 μg/intracerebroventricular) induced seizures. These findings indicate that insulin possesses a broad spectrum of antiseizure activity in rats. Interaction with brain Na+K+-ATPase has been discussed as a possible mechanism of action.

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