Anticonvulsive properties of calcitonin in rats

The effect of human calcitonin and sodium valproate (VPA) on electrically induced seizures in rats was assessed. Intraperitoneal administration of calcitonin (20 and 40 IU/kg) 60 min prior to electroshock significantly reduced the duration of the seizures and their intensity. We also found that combined treatment with calcitonin (20 and 40 IU/kg i.p.) and VPA (100 mg/kg p.o.) did not enhance the anticonvulsant activity. These findings suggest that calcitonin exerts an anticonvulsant influence on rats during electrically induced seizures.