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Selective Antiepileptic Effects of N ‐Palmitoylethanolamide, a Putative Endocannabinoid
Author(s) -
Sheerin Aaron H.,
Zhang Xia,
Saucier Deborah M.,
Corcoran Michael E.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.0013-9580.2004.16604.x
Subject(s) - palmitoylethanolamide , pentylenetetrazol , kindling , clonus , anticonvulsant , pharmacology , convulsion , endocannabinoid system , epilepsy , 2 arachidonoylglycerol , medicine , cannabidiol , chemistry , anesthesia , cannabinoid receptor , receptor , antagonist , cannabis , psychiatry
Summary: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether N ‐palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a putative endocannabinoid, would be effective against kindled amygdaloid seizures. For a comparison with earlier work, we also tested the effectiveness of PEA against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)‐induced convulsions. Methods: Kindling electrodes were implanted bilaterally in the amygdala in 32 Long‐Evans rats. After the kindling of generalized (stage 5) seizures, the effects of PEA administration [i.p.; 1, 10, 100 mg/kg in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)] were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. PEA (40 mg/kg, i.p. in DMSO) also was tested for anticonvulsant activity against PTZ‐induced convulsions (75 mg/kg, i.p.). Results: After i.p. administration of PEA, kindled rats displayed an increased latency to clonus at the 1‐mg/kg dose. No other dose‐dependent effects were noted. When tested against PTZ‐induced convulsions, PEA protected against tonic convulsions and prolonged the latency between convulsive episodes. Conclusions: PEA produces antiepileptic effects, but does not completely suppress seizures. The mechanism of action of PEA remains to be defined.