The effect of minocycline on seizures induced by amygdala kindling in rats

PURPOSE Minocycline is known as a chemical with neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. In this study, the effects of minocycline on seizures induced by amygdala kindling in rats were studied. METHODS Kindled Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with saline and, on the following day, with minocycline (50, 25, and 12.5mg/kg for the three groups (1-3), respectively). The animals in groups 1-3 had similar protocols. Groups 4 and 5 were given for the rotarod test and received 25 or 50mg/kg minocycline, respectively, without any kindling stimulation. The animals in groups 6 and 7 (seven each) received 25mg/kg minocycline or saline, respectively. All the injections were carried out 1h before kindling stimulation. Seizure parameters, including after discharge duration (ADD), stage 4 latency (S4L), stage 5 duration (S5D), and seizure duration (SD), were recorded and compared with those of the saline groups. RESULTS Minocycline (50mg/kg) significantly reduced ADD, 1/S4L, S5D, and SD (P<0.001, P<0.05, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively) in group 1. While the administration of 25mg/kg of minocycline decreased the ADD and S5D (P<0.05), in group 2. The injection of 12.5mg/kg resulted in decreased S5D (P<0.001) in group 3. The daily injection of minocycline (25mg/kg) significantly decreased ADD, S5D, and SD (P<0.001) in group 6. CONCLUSION The obtained results revealed that minocycline has anticonvulsant effect on seizures induced by amygdala kindling. Thus, it may be useful for epilepsy treatment.