Propranolol-induced seizures in mice: the role of noradrenaline

Cell Mol Life Sci. 1997 Aug;53(8):646-51. doi: 10.1007/s000180050083.

Abstract

The effects of some noradrenergic agents, phenobarbitone, diazepam and phenytoin on seizures produced by propranolol were investigated in mice. Isoprenaline and DL-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (DOPS) effectively antagonized the seizures elicited by propranolol. Pargyline and imipramine significantly attenuated propranolol-induced seizures and also significantly potentiated the protecting effect of DOPS against the seizures. alpha-Methyl-p-tyrosine, disulfiram and reserpine significantly potentiated propranolol-elicited seizures. However, DOPS significantly antagonized the seizure-potentiating effects of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, disulfiram and reserpine. Phenylephrine, clonidine, prazosin, idazoxan, phenobarbitone, diazepam and phenytoin did not significantly alter propranolol-induced seizures. These results suggest that propranolol-induced seizures in mice may involve a noradrenergic mechanism mediated via central beta-adrenoceptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / pharmacology
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Disulfiram / pharmacology
  • Droxidopa / pharmacology
  • Drug Synergism
  • Female
  • Imipramine / pharmacology
  • Isoproterenol / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Norepinephrine / physiology*
  • Pargyline / pharmacology
  • Propranolol*
  • Reserpine / pharmacology
  • Seizures / chemically induced*
  • alpha-Methyltyrosine / pharmacology

Substances

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • alpha-Methyltyrosine
  • Reserpine
  • Pargyline
  • Propranolol
  • Droxidopa
  • Isoproterenol
  • Imipramine
  • Disulfiram
  • Norepinephrine