Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Activity of Propranolol by using Electrically Induced Animal Models

Objective: To evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of propranolol in Wistar albino rats by maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizure model.

Methods: The study was approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC). The study was conducted in accordance with the CPCSEA guidelines. Healthy, adult Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing between 180 and 250 g were used for the study. The animals were procured from the central animal house and were acclimatized in the experimental laboratory for 7 days. The study consisted of three groups with six animals in each group. Group I: control (equivalent volume of normal saline, i.p.); group II: diphenylhydantoin (25 mg/kg BW, i.p.); group III: propranolol (i.p.). Anticonvulsant activity in Wistar albino rats was assessed by MES model. The data were expressed as median ± SE. Statistical significance among study groups was carried using Graph Pad Instat Software, by ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test.

Results: In group II (standard) all animals were protected by absence of THLE when compared with group I (control). Group II also exhibited significant decline in scores when compared with control group. Administration of propranolol in groups III also showed significant percent decline in THLE as well as scores when compared with group I. Percent decline in THLE and scores in group III were comparable to the group II.

Conclusion: Propranolol exhibits significant anticonvulsant activity in MES model in Wistar albino rats.