Anticonvulsant Activity of Simvastatin on Experimentally Induced Epileptic Seizures in Mice

Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Simvastatin was recognized as a new candidate that exhibits a variety of neuroprotective effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that have the ability to inhibit neuronal hyperexcitability and seizure susceptibility. Aim: The purpose of this study is to assess the possible anticonvulsant action of simvastatin in the mouse seizure model. Material and Methods: The eighteen adult albino mice (25–30 g) were allotted randomly to three groups (n = 6). Thirty minutes before the induction of convulsion, the groups received different intraperitoneal pretreatments: Group 1: Distilled water (0.1 ml), Group 2: Diazepam (1 mg/kg), Group 3: Simvastatin (10 mg/kg). Convulsions were induced in all the mice through intraperitoneal administration of lidocaine hydrochloride (75 mg/kg). The animals exhibited drowsiness, ataxia, loss of righting reflex, convulsions and incipient convulsive periods. Results: Results show that simvastatin significantly delayed the onset of convulsions compared to the induction group and reduced their duration compared to the induction and diazepam groups. Compared to the induction and diazepam groups, it delayed the onset of drowsiness, ataxia and loss of righting reflex. Conclusions: Simvastatin displayed an anticonvulsant effects in this experimental model, and thus it might have a beneficial influence on hyperlipidemic patients suffering from epilepsy.