Effects of L-arginine on Prevention and Treatment of Lithium-Pilocarpine-Induced
Status Epilepticus
B. NOYAN, G. GÜLEÇ
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludağ University, Bursa,
Turkey
Received May 18, 1999
Accepted October 19, 1999
Summary
The effects of various doses of L-arginine, a nitric oxide
substrate, on lithium-pilocarpine-induced seizures were studied in rats. Rats
were implanted with chronic, stainless steel screw electrodes epidurally for
electrocortical recordings. A control group received 3 mEq/kg LiCl (i.p.)
and 24 h later 45 mg/kg pilocarpine HCl (i.p.). Two different experimental
procedures were followed: (1) L-arginine was applied in doses of 100 mg/kg, 300
mg/kg or 500 mg/kg (i.p.), 30 min before pilocarpine injection; (2) 300 mg/kg,
500 mg/kg or 1000 mg/kg (i.p.) L-arginine was injected either 5 min or 30 min
after the onset of status epilepticus (SE). L-arginine (300 mg/kg) injected 30
min before pilocarpine significantly reduced the percentage of SE, but did not
change the latency to SE or 24-hour survival. These parameters were not
significantly affected by the 100 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg dose of L-arginine. On the
other hand, no dose of L-arginine that was applied after SE had begun, had any
significant influence on the seizures. We concluded that L-arginine may prevent
seizure activity in some but not all doses, and does not have any effect on the
ongoing seizure activity.
Key words
Nitric oxide · L-arginine ·
Status epilepticus · Rat
Reprint requests
Dr. Güldal Güleç, Uludağ University, Faculty of Medicine, Department
of Physiology, 16384, Görükle, Bursa, Turkey, E-mail : guldal@uludag.edu.tr
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