Lack of benefit of linoleic and alpha-linolenic polyunsaturated fatty acids on seizure latency, duration, severity or incidence in rats.

BACKGROUND

Polyunsaturated fatty acids have been reported to increase seizure threshold and to reduce seizure duration and severity in rats.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to test the anticonvulsant effects of an essential fatty acid mixture containing linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids at a 4:1 ratio (SR-3 compound), using the pentylenetetrazol seizure model in Long-Evans hooded rats.

RESULTS

There were no significant effects of SR-3 on seizure latency, duration or severity (P>0.05). There were also no significant differences in the incidence of myoclonic jerks, forelimb and hindlimb clonus, forelimb and hindlimb tonus or running fits in rats that received SR-3, as compared to control rats (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Linoleic and alpha-linolenic polyunsaturated fatty acids have no beneficial effects on seizure latency, duration, average severity or incidence.