The effect of intrathecal administration of antiepileptic drugs on electroshock-induced convulsions (maximal electroshock seizure, MES test) was investigated in an experimental study in rats. Drugs tested were phenobarbital sodium (50–800 µg), sodium Valproate 50–6,400 µg) and midazolam (50–250 µg), delivered into the cerebrospinal fluid via a catheter placed in the upper cervical intrathecal Space. Control animals were tested with saline. The animals were tested in the MES test 30 min after drug administration. Phenobarbital sodium showed a dose-related protective effect on the tonic phase of the convulsion, with a 50% effect at a dose of 200 µg. Sodium Valproate showed a less protective effect, even when reaching doses that produced neurological Symptoms. Midazolam protected at a high dose but produced a severe decrease in motor activity. The results indicate the feasibility to treat experimental convulsions by means of intrathecal injection of antiepileptic drugs.
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