Cognitive and Neurochemical Effects of Brivaracetam Co-Administered with Ethanol: A Preclinical Study

Ethanol affects the central nervous system, with frequent use leading to memory impairment. This study aims to determine the effects of brivaracetam on ethanol-induced memory impairment and alterations in selected neurotransmitter levels, trace elements in the brain and serum oxidative stress parameters in rats. Brivaracetam was administered for three weeks (6 mg/kg b.w.) before behavioral tests. Ethanol was given as a forced model (5 g/kg b.w.). Spatial memory was evaluated with the Morris water maze test and recognition memory with the novel object recognition test. GABA and glutamate concentrations were evaluated in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in blood serum. The levels of copper, manganese, zinc, iron, and magnesium in the brain were also determined. Brivaracetam was found to negatively affect spatial and retrieval memory when administered with ethanol and during withdrawal; however, the drug improved ethanol-induced short-term recognition memory impairment. Furthermore, brivaracetam increased CAT activity, while MDA was decreased and SOD increased in all drug-treated animals. Brivaracetam may counteract ethanol-induced manganese brain concentration, but increases iron, magnesium, and copper concentrations. Hence, brivaracetam use induces various effects on the central nervous system.