Interference of Seizure Disorders on Motor Functions, Coordination and Balance in Wistar Rats

Chronic recurrent seizures is a characteristic feature of epilepsy. It is a chronic neurological condition, usually resulting in unpredictable, unprovoked recurrent seizures that affect a variety of mental and physical functions. Some motor functions appear vulnerable to these seizure disorders. This study investigated the neurobehavioural analysis of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure on motor balance, coordination in Wistar rats. The study was done in two phases: acute (14days) and chronic (28days). A total of twenty adult Wistar rats weighing between 90-120g were used for each phase of study. The rats were divided into four (4) groups (1-4, n=5). PTZ was administered intraperitoneally to the PTZ treated groups one (1) week before the neurobehavioral experiments commenced. Group 1 (control) received distilled water; groups 2, 3 and 4 were administered with subconvulsive doses of PTZ (25mg/kg, 30mg/kg and 35mg/kg) respectively at alternate days (48 hourly) until kindling was achieved. The study evaluated neurobehavioural parameters using Rotarod test (RT) and Handgrip test (HT). In both tests, the time latencies were significantly (P<0.05) reduced and worsened with time, when test groups were compared to control either in acute or chronic phase study. The results from the current study on the effects of the chemoculvosant seizures on motor functions, coordination and balance shows that severity and chronicity of seizures caused a deficit in motor coordination and balance. In conclusion, seizure disorder disrupts motor activities.