The maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model in the preclinical assessment of potential new antiepileptic drugs

Abstract

The choice of appropriate animal models for the initial in vivo testing of potential anticonvulsant compounds is one of the most important steps in the successful search for new antiepileptic drugs. The purpose of this paper is to describe the most important aspects to take into account when performing the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test in the routine laboratory screening of new antiepileptics: the conventional and threshold MES test experimental procedures, the factors affecting experimental data (laboratory conditions, administration vehicles and drug formulations, time after drug administration, and stimulus duration and site of stimulation) and the assessment of anticonvulsant activity are discussed.

Bioactive non-sterol triterpenoid fromStreblus asper: microwave-assisted extraction, HPTLC profiling, computational studies and neuro-pharmacological evaluation in BALB/c mice

“…suggests that the n-hexane fraction of stem bark of S. asper was useful in suppressing generalized tonic-clonic seizures by regulating GABA mediated synaptic inhibition (Castel-Branco et al 2009). However, isoniazid exerts its convulsive effect by inhibiting GABA synthesis.…”

Anticonvulsant Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Trigonella Foenum Graecum Linn. And Sodium Valproate - A Comparative Study in Albino Mice.

“…HLTE is defined by hind limb extension more than 90° from the body and sustaining for more than 3 sec following 10 sec after the stimulation. 19 Thirty mice which showed HLTE were selected for the study. The standard and the test drugs were suspended in 1% gum acacia solution.…”

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“…The MES test corresponds to the generalized tonic clonic seizures or "grand mal" epilepsy in humans. 19 PTZ induced seizure test is an experimental model for generalized absence seizures and corresponds to human generalized seizures of myoclonic and petit mal type. 20 In our study, it was found that treatment with MELI in rats significantly reduced the hind limb tonic extensor (HLTE) phase in MES induced seizure model.…”

“…Current available antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, valproate and lamotrigine, which are clinically effective in the management of generalized tonic clonic and partial seizures, all suppress the hind limb tonic extension in the MES model. 19,20 Protection against HLTE indicates the ability of a test substance to inhibit or abolish the spread of seizure discharges within the brain. In our present study, the ability of the methanolic extract of Lawsonia inermis leaves to inhibit the HLTE in the MES model as compared to phenytoin (100% protection) suggests the presence of anticonvulsant compounds in the extract.…”