Neuroprotective effects of lamotrigine enhanced by flunarizine in gerbil global ischemia

We examined whether the anti-ischemic effect of lamotrigine (LTG), which inhibits the presynapic sodium channel, could be enhanced by the calcium channel blocker-flunarizine (FNR) in cerebral ischemia. Global ischemia was induced in Mongolian gerbils for 5 min under the monitoring of scalp temperature. LTG and FNR were administered intraperitoneally 1 h before ischemia. After 7 days, animals were killed and viable neurons in CA1 area were counted. LTG treated group showed significant protective effects compared to control group (P < 0.01). These effects were more prominent in group treated with LTG and FNR (P = 0.01). Combination of two drugs did not increase the mortality rate compared to single-treated group. These results show that a synergistic reduction of neuronal death can be achieved by combination of LTG and FNR without serious adverse reaction.