Effects of low and high doses of acetylsalicylic acid on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity

Abstract

Background: The most common headache associated with epilepsy occurs after seizure activity and is called a postictal headache. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of low and high doses acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) on a penicillin-induced experimental epilepsy model.

Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (n = 28, weighing 220 ± 40 g) were used in the experiments. The rats were divided into four groups as Control, Penicillin, Aspirin 150 mg/kg, Aspirin 500 mg/kg. Seizure activity was triggered by an intracortical injection of penicillin G potassium (500 IU/2.5 μl) into the sensory motor cortex. An electrocorticogram was recorded by using conductive screw electrodes. Aspirin at the doses of 500 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg was given intraperitoneally (ip) 30 min after penicillin administration.

Results: Anticonvulsant activity appeared at the 30th and 40th min after an intracortically administered injection of penicillin in the groups given aspirin doses of 500 mg/kg (ip) and 150 mg/kg (ip) respectively. The amplitude of epileptiform activity at both doses of aspirin decreased but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that low and high doses of aspirin may decrease epileptiform activity in penicillin-induced epilepsy. Aspirin might be suggested for headache associated with epilepsy.

Keywords: Acute effect; Aspirin; Dosage; ECoG; Epileptiform activity.