Selective Antiepileptic Effects of N‐Palmitoylethanolamide, a Putative Endocannabinoid
AH Sheerin, X Zhang, DM Saucier, ME Corcoran - Epilepsia, 2004 - Wiley Online Library
AH Sheerin, X Zhang, DM Saucier, ME Corcoran
Epilepsia, 2004•Wiley Online LibraryPurpose: 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 [ip; 1, 10, 100 mg/kg in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)] …
(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 [ip; 1, 10, 100 mg/kg in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)] …
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.
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