Objective: 

Gap junctions play an important role in the synchronized neuronal discharges. The main reason of the epileptic seizures is disruption of this synchronization. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the interaction between carbenoxolone (CBX), a gap junction blocker, and valproic acid on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling model of epilepsy in rats.

Methods: 

Adult male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. In the first set of experiments, PTZ (35 mg/kg intraperitoneally, (i.p.) was administered to the rats to produce the kindling and then permanent screw electrodes were placed into the cranium of kindled rats to record EEG monitoring. In the second set of experiments, the interaction between CBX (40 mg/kg i.p.) and valproic acid (300 mg/kg, i.p.) was performed. While EEG recordings received from animals, behavioral scorings were done by an observer. The data analysis was performed using a one-way ANOVA with LSD post-hoc test.

Results: 

The combination of CBX and valproic acid prevented generalized seizures and decreased seizure severity and score (P<0.01). This combination also prevented myoclonic jerks by 83.3% (P<0.01).

Conclusions: 

The results of behavioral parameters and electrophysiological evidences show that CBX potentiates antiepileptic effects of valproic acid which is widely used antiepileptic drug. Thus, our results suggested that these two drugs can be used in combination for the treatment of epilepsy.