acth-(4-7)--pro-gly-pro- and Seizures

Pups of Wistar and KM rats (with predisposition to audiogenic epilepsy) were daily injected with neuropeptide semax (50 mg/kg) or NO-synthase inhibitor L-NAME (50 mg/kg) on days 7-11 of life. Alterations of audiogenic seizures pattern were revealed in rats of both strains at the age of 1 month, while changes in seizure severity were genotype-dependent. Both agents enhance neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the delayed effect in the form of altered seizure pattern seems to be determined by this factor. Genotype-dependent alterations of seizure severity after administration of semax and L-NAME were differently directed. These effects are suggested to be underlined by physiological and biochemical mechanisms not related to the intensity of postnatal neurogenesis.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Dentate Gyrus; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epilepsy, Reflex; Female; Genotype; Male; Neurogenesis; Neuroprotective Agents; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Peptide Fragments; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Seizures; Severity of Illness Index; Species Specificity; Time Factors

Effects of the ACTH4-7 pro-gly-pro, calcium valproate ("Germed", DDR) and nembutal on kindling preparation and audiogenic epilepsy were investigated. Development of after-discharges in response to repeated amygdaloid electrical stimulation was assessed in normal rats and in rats susceptible to audiogenic epilepsy (KM line of rats). ACTH4-7 pro-gly-pro had an anticonvulsant profile. ACTH4-7 pro-gly-pro decreased seizure threshold in the audiogenic epilepsy test, but did not prevent the motor convulsions.

Topics: Acoustic Stimulation; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Amygdala; Animals; Anticonvulsants; Delayed-Action Preparations; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Electric Stimulation; Kindling, Neurologic; Male; Pentobarbital; Peptide Fragments; Rats; Seizures; Valproic Acid