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

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.