Publication

Abstract : Modulation of brain oxidant: antioxidant balance has been reported in different animal models of seizures including electroshock induced seizures. Thus, we tried to find out the effect of combining piperine, an antioxidant with sodium valproate against seizures induced by maximal electroshock (MES). Male Swiss albino mice (28-34 g) were assigned to different groups: sodium valproate (150 and 300 mg/kg), piperine (5 and 10 mg/kg) and their combination. Electroconvulsions were produced in mice using a current of 25 mA for 0.2 s. Sodium valproate (150 mg/kg) and piperine (5 and 10 mg/kg), did not significantly reduce the duration of tonic hind limb extension. However, the former at a dose of 300 mg/kg significantly decreased the duration of tonic phase (P0.05). Further, treatment of sodium valproate (300 mg/kg) in combination with piperine (10 mg/kg) completely abolished the extensor phase in all animals. Combined therapy significantly (P0.01) attenuated the increase in malondialdehyde levels caused by electroshock reflecting the neuroprotective potential of the combination. To conclude, our preliminary results suggest a beneficial interaction of piperine with sodium valproate against electroshock seizures.