The effect of duloxetine on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in rats

ABSTRACT

Aim: Previous studies showed the existence of a relationship between epilepsy and depression. Duloxetine is a potent and selective inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake (SNRI) used in the treatment of the major depressive disorder. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of duloxetine on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in an experimental rat model of acute partial epilepsy.

Method: In this study, 35 male rats weighing 200–240 g were used. Under urethane anesthesia, tripolar electrodes were placed for electrocorticography (ECoG) recording. Duloxetine, at 1, 5, 10 or 30 mg/kg rates, was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes after intracortical penicillin (500 IU) injection.

Results: Duloxetine administrations of 1, 5, 10 and 30 mg/kg increased the mean frequency of epileptiform activity 10 minutes after Duloxetine injection compared to the control group (p < 0.05) without changing amplitude in all groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The results showed proconvulsant effect of duloxetine in penicillin-induced epileptiform activity and indicated that it could pose complications risk for people with partial epilepsy.

KEYWORDS:

• Duloxetine
• epilepsy model
• electrocorticography
• penicillin
• rat

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mehmet Esen

Mehmet Esen Ph.D. in Emergency Medicine (Assistant Professor), Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey.

Hatice Aygun

Hatice Aygun Ph.D. in Physiology (Research Assistant), Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine University of Gaziosmanpasa, Tokat, Turkey.