Piracetam as Neuroprotective, Anticonvulsant, and Anti-Anxiety Agent: An In Vivo Study on Ptz Epileptic Rats

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Namin, Iran.

3 Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Shahrekord University, Saman Road P.O.115, Shahrekord, Iran.

10.32592/ARI.2024.79.5.1057

Abstract

Recurrent seizures characterize epilepsy, a category of neurological disorder. Epileptic seizures can result in sudden changes in brain electrical activity. Piracetam is a cyclic aminobutyric acid derivative with neuroprotective effects. We aimed to evaluate piracetam's neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, and anti-anxiety effects in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure rat model. To assess piracetam's anticonvulsant properties in the PTZ seizure model, the experimental groups received Piracetam at 30 or 100 mg/kg. The positive control group received diazepam (2 mg/kg), and the negative control group received only PTZ. Elevated plus maze and open field tests evaluated the anti-anxiety effects. The antioxidant effects of Piracetam on brain tissues were also examined. Open field test results revealed that crossing the line increased significantly in the Piracetam (30 and 100 mg/kg) and diazepam groups compared to the negative control group. In the plus maze test, the Piracetam groups showed more time spent in open arms than the control group. Also, diazepam significantly increased the time spent in open arms compared to the negative control group. Histological results showed structural changes in hippocampal neurons. Also, the antioxidant test showed Piracetam's antioxidant properties compared to the negative control group. Piracetam had anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects in PTZ epileptic rats and inhibited or reduced seizures. Also, it had anti-anxiety and sedative effects. Neuroprotective effects of Piracetam may be due to the control of neurotransmitters such as cholinergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and glutamatergic systems. Piracetam might have neuroprotective, anti-epileptic, anti-anxiety, and antioxidant properties in PTZ epileptic rats. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Archives of Razi Institute
Volume 79, Issue 5
September and October 2024
Pages 1057-1064

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