Inhibition of quisqualate-induced seizures by glutamic acid diethyl ester and anti-epileptic drugs

Abstract

Glutamic acid diethyl ester (GDEE) is a glutamate antagonist which acts preferentially at the quisqualate-sensitive receptor and has been shown to be an effective anticonvulsant in alcohol withdrawal and homocysteine-induced seizures but ineffective in other seizure models. To better characterize the role of the quisqualate-sensitive receptor in the generation of seizures, quisqualate was administered to mice by intracerebroventricular (ICV) route and immediate onset generalized seizures were observed. The anticonvulsant properties of GDEE and commonly used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were investigated with this seizure model. GDEE given by intraperitoneal blocked quisqualate-induced seizures dose-dependently. Diphenyl-hydantoin (50 mg/kg IP), carbamazepine (50 mg/kg IP), diazepam (1; 4 mg/kg IP), phenobarbital (40; 80 mg/kg IP), and valproic acid (250; 340 mg/kg IP) were also administered prior to quisqualate-seizure induction. Only valproic acid blocked seizures at nonsedating doses. The GABA transaminase inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid (20 mg/kg IP) was ineffective, suggesting that here valproic acid is active at excitatory receptors rather than by potentiating GABA post-synaptic inhibition. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the quisqualate-sensitive receptor is involved in some forms of clinically observed seizures, particularly those which are controlled by valproic acid.