Vitamin C Antioxidant Effects in Brain of Albino Mice after Seizures and Status Epilepticus Induced by Pentylene-tetrazole (PTZ)

Abstract

Aim: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the neurological diseases, one of them is epilepsy. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of vitamin C as an acute antioxidant protective treatment of epilepsy in mice. Materials and Methods: Seventy-eight male albino mice were divided into six groups. The first group was a normal control group that received NaCl, 0.9% (i.p.). The second group received PTZ (65 mg/kg, i.p.) as a single convulsive dose. The third and fourth groups received vitamin C (500 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and vitamin C (1000mg/kg, i.p.) respectively. The fifth and sixth groups received vitamin C (500 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and vitamin C (1000 mg/kg, i.p.) respectively, then after 30 minutes both received Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (65 mg/kg i.p.) as a single convulsive dose. Behavioral assessment was done immediately after injections using Racine scale and rotarod tests then after 24 hours, the animals were killed and brain tissue homogenates were prepared to measure lipid peroxide (Malondialdehyde) and catalase activity. Results: Vitamin C showed decreased percentage of seizures, prolonged latency to 1 st seizure, improved motor coordination, decreased lipid peroxide level and increased catalase activity. No difference in results between groups received vitamin C (500 mg/kg, i.p.) or (1000 mg/kg, i.p.). Conclusion: Vitamin C was proven to be a potential candidate for decreasing risk of epilepsy.