THE EFFECT OF ISRADIPINE ON MAXIMAL ELECTROSHOCK SEIZURES IN MICE

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible anticonvulsan t effect of a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, isradipine, which ea sily crosses the blood-brain barrier displaying high affinity and spec ificity for the brain L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channel, on max imal electroshock seizures in mice. 2. Isradipine at IP doses of 2.5 m g/kg and 5.0 mg/kg was found to cause a statistically significant incr ease in the convulsion threshold of maximal electroshock seizures in a dose-dependent manner (P=0.047 and P=0.022, respectively). 3. It was concluded that the mode of action of the anticonvulsant effect of isra dipine is related to blockade of the intraneuronal calcium currents, w hich play an important role in epileptic activity. (C) 1998 Elsevier S cience Inc.