The effect of lamotrigin on stress-induced behavioral and biochemical changes in mice

Stress may cause special behavioral and biochemical changes. Kindling is presumed to be the underlying mechanism for such changes. Lamotrigin, an anti-kindling agent which blocks glutamate release through inhibiting sodium channels may reverse these behavioral changes. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of lamotrigin in management of behavioral and biochemical changes caused by stress in an animal model. To provoke anxiety-like behavior, 19 mice were exposed to a brief electrical shock. Animals were then randomly divided into 2 groups. Behavioral changes were assessed in plus-maze at 24 hours,3rd week, and 6th week after exposure to stress. Plasma cortisol level, as an index of biochemical changes was also measured at 6th week after exposure. A single oral dose of lamotrigin (40 mg/kg) was administered to the case group in the first hour following stress,while the control group was given normal saline. Lower levels of anxiety-like behavior in lamotrigin-treated group were observed (P