Abstract
Background:
Epileptic seizures are associated with the overproduction of free radicals in the brain leading to neuronal cell death. Therefore, reduction of oxidative stress may inhibit seizure-induced neuronal cell damage. Current study evaluated the effects of Vit D3 and melatonin and their combination on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced tonic clonic seizures in mice.
Methods:
Animals were divided into six groups. Group I was administrated with normal saline (0.5 ml, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) on the 15th day of experiment. Group II was injected with PTZ (60 mg/kg dissolved in 0.5 ml normal saline, i.p) on the 15th day. Groups III-IV were treated with diazepam (4 mg/kg/day), Vit D3 (6000 IU/kg/day), melatonin (20 mg/kg/day) and Vit D3 (6000 IU/kg/day)/melatonin (20 mg/kg/day), respectively, and were then injected with PTZ (60 mg/kg) on the 15th day of experiment. Immediately after the injection of PTZ on the 15th day, mice were observed for a 30-min period for the measurement of seizure latency and duration. For determination of oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured in mouse brains.
Results:
Treatment with Vit D3, melatonin, and Vit D3/melatonin significantly increased seizure latency and decreased seizure duration. The brain level of MDA was lower and SOD activity was greater than the PTZ group. Mice treated with Vit D3/melatonin had lower seizure duration compared to other treated groups.
Conclusions:
Combination of Vit D3 and melatonin may reduce seizure frequency in epileptic patients; this effect may result from various mechanisms including inhibition of oxidative stress.
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