Depressive effect of nicardipine on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in rats

Abstract

It is believed that calcium ions have very important role in the formation of epilepsy. Calcium ion flux into the cell leads to secretion of excitatory neurotransmitters. During epileptic seizures, routine balance of excitation and inhibition is altered towards the excitation. In present study, the effect of nicardipine on penicillin-induced epilepsy was investigated. The left cerebral cortex was exposed by craniotomy in anaesthetized rats. The epileptic focus was produced by injection of penicillin G potassium (500 units) into the somatomotor cortex. Microinjection of nicardipine into the same area caused an inhibition for 4-5 minutes in electrocorticograms (ECoG). The results of this study suggest that nicardipine may be an effective anticonvulsant agent in treatment of epilepsy by preventing calcium flux into the cell.