Interactions between carvedilol and sodium valproate along with neurobehavioural co-morbidities in various epilepsy models

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of carvedilol (CRV) commonly used antihypertensive drugs on the antiepileptic drug sodium valproate (SVP) along with neurobehavioural co-morbidities in various models of epilepsy.

Methods

For this purpose, we used the Increasing Current Electroshock Seizure (ICES) test and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) test in mice. Additionally, adverse effects of combined treatment with the drugs in the Spontaneous Alternation Behavior (SAB) and rotarod were assessed. The levels of TBARS and the Reduced Glutathione (GSH) were determined in brains of mice for investigation of the oxidative stress. All drugs were administered orally.

Results

SVP (50 & 100 mg/kg) and CRV (1.25, 2.5 & 5.0 mg/kg) alone as well as in combination significantly enhanced the seizure threshold in the ICES test and PTZ test. CRV significantly increase the percentage alternation scores as compared to control group whereas combination of SVP with CRV did not affect the percentage alternation scores. In the present study, CRV and SVP alone as well as in combinations had no significant effect on motor parameters, at any of the given doses. CRV and SVP alone as well as in combination shown to inhibit the lipid peroxidation and increase in the level of GSH in brain tissue in a dose dependent manner which showed that it reduces the oxidative stress.

Conclusion

The current study suggests that CRV potentiate the anticonvulsant activity of VPA. Therefore, the observed interaction could be pharmacodynamics in nature.