Antiepileptic activity of Callicarpa kwangtungensis Chun extract in pilocarpine induced epilepsy in mice via modulating GABAergic and DAergic transmission

The effect of Callicarpa kwangtungensis Chun (CKC) was evaluated in Pilocarpine (P350, 350 mg/kg)-induced epilepsy in mice. The behavioral patterns of experimental mice were investigated by the number of convulsed animals, survivors, after P350-induced convulsions, latency to 1st convulsion, and latency to death. The administration of CNC extended both the latency to the first convulsion and the time to death in a dose-dependent manner. The role of receptors in the anti-convulsive action of CNC was investigated using a combination of atropine (cholinergic receptor antagonist), memantine (NMDA-type glutamate receptors blocker), and diazepam (GABA agonist). The CNC increased latency to the 1st convulsion and to death in diazepam combination while there was no significant alteration in other two combination, suggesting that CNC anticonvulsive action is mediated through the GABA receptor. The CNC increased the striatal concentration of dopamine (DA) and DOPAC in the brain, suggesting that it prevents convulsion in animals by inhibiting DA metabolism. The CNC improved the antioxidant status of brain as evidenced by decrease in level of TABARS, carbonyl protein, and nitric oxide, whereas the levels of sulfhydryl protein, SOD, and CAT were increased. Thus, the anti-epileptic potential of Callicarpa kwangtungensis Chun is accomplished by modulating GABAergic and DAergic transmission.