Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids are not anticonvulsant or neuroprotective in acute mouse seizure models

Epilepsia. 2009 Jan;50(1):138-42. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2008.01722.x. Epub 2008 Jul 14.

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or vegetable oil (control) were added to standard rodent chow (6 g/kg) and fed to mice ad lib for 4 weeks to determine if polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are anticonvulsant or neuroprotective in mice. The seizure susceptibility of these mice was compared using the fluorothyl, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), 6 Hz, and kainate models. We found that PUFA feeding significantly altered the fatty acid profile in both plasma and brain, but did not change seizure thresholds in the fluorothyl, PTZ, or 6 Hz models nor did it significantly alter seizure behavior or hippocampal damage following kainate injection. In conclusion, DHA or EPA feeding did not show anticonvulsant or neuroprotective activity in four acute seizure models. Chronic seizure models remain to be examined.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Mice
  • Seizures / drug therapy*
  • Seizures / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid