Insulin, an important regulator of peripheral metabolism, has been reported to interact with many neurotransmitter systems including those associated with convulsion. The effect of insulin against pentylenetetrazole and strychnine-induced convulsions in mice, as well as possible sex differences, were evaluated in this study. Mice of both sexes weighing between 20 and 25 g were administered insulin intraperitoneally at doses of 1, 2, 4 and 8 IU/kg. Each mouse received a convulsive dose of pentylenetetrazole (100 mg/kg, i.p.) or strychnine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) and was observed for the onset of convulsions and occurrence of death. Against pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions, all the doses of insulin used significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged the onset of convulsions and significantly delayed the time of death in male mice when compared with control. However, in female mice, only insulin 8 IU/kg significantly prolonged the onset of convulsions, while insulin 4 IU/kg significantly delayed the time of death. Against strychnine-induced convulsions, insulin at the doses of 2 and 4 IU/kg significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged the onset of convulsions in male mice relative to control, while 8 IU/kg insulin significantly prolonged the time of death in male mice compared to control. However, none of the doses of insulin administered to female mice were effective against strychnine-induced convulsions. These results show that insulin produced sex-related protective effects against chemically-induced convulsions in mice.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.