The Effect of Intestinal Natural Micro Flora Removal on Susceptibility to Have Seizure in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background and Aim: Epilepsy is a common brain disorder. Brain function can be affected by the intestinal microflora. The intestinal microflora have a major role in modulating immune responses, producing essential metabolites and mediating neurotransmitters. Antibiotics can affect and reduce these roles and functions by eliminating the intestinal microflora. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intestinal natural micro flora removal on seizure susceptibility and seizure behavior modification with the use of probiotics in male Wistar rats. Methods & Materials: This study was performed on 32 male Wistar rats with weight range 200-250 gr. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: 1. Control group; 2. Antibiotic group; 3. Probiotic group and 4. Antibiotic + probiotic group. To remove the microflora, antibiotics (neomycin, ampicillin, and metronidazole) for three weeks and for replacement of microflora, probiotics (Lactobacilli casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) for four weeks were administered. Seizures were performed by intraperitoneal injection of pentylentrazole. The microflora was examined by the MRS Agar medium and the Pure Plate method. The data were statistically analyzed in Graph Pad Prism V. 8. Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1395.176). Results: The use of antibiotics lead to decrease the number of intestinal bacteria (P<0.0001), increased the severity and stability of seizure stages (P<0.05) and decreased the time delay of seizure onset (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Probiotic consumption by modifying the intestinal microflora (P<0.0001) reduced the severity of seizure and increased the time delay of seizure onset (P<0.05). Conclusion: Elimination of microflora has the potential to induce seizures, which can be compensated by administration of probiotics.