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Maximal electroshock induces changes in some markers of oxidative stress in mice
D Nieoczym1, E Albera, M Kankofer
1Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland.
Abstract:
The oxidative/antioxidative status was investigated in maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice, a well established model of generalized seizures in humans. Mice were given a single electroshock resulting in tonic convulsions. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation intensity and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was measured spectrophotometrically in the brain, plasma and erythrocytes collected from mice sacrificed at different time points after stimulation. For comparison, sham-stimulated and subeffectively stimulated (no tonic seizures) mice were used. Tonic seizures caused an immediate increase in GSH-Px activity in the brain and during the following three hours the enzyme activity decreased below control values. Similar changes were seen after subconvulsive stimulations, however, a significant increase occurred only one hour after electroshock. A marked TAC reduction in the brain was observed three hours after subconvulsive stimulations. Nevertheless, no significant changes in TAC after tonic seizures were noted. TAC in plasma was significantly reduced three hours after both subconvulsive and convulsive stimulation. Marked reduction of lipid peroxidation intensity in the brain and plasma was recorded after both modes of stimulation. In conclusion, pronounced changes in oxidative/antioxidative status in mice following electroshock are caused by both convulsive and subconvulsive stimuli. Participation of oxidative stress in seizures and pathophysiology of epilepsy awaits further clarification.
Insights
Maximal electroshock seizures in mice alter oxidative and antioxidative status. Both convulsive and subconvulsive stimuli significantly impact brain and plasma antioxidant levels and lipid peroxidation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Generalized seizures, such as those induced by maximal electroshock, are a significant neurological condition.
- Oxidative stress is increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of epilepsy.
- Understanding the oxidative/antioxidative balance during seizures is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oxidative and antioxidative status in a mouse model of generalized seizures.
- To determine the impact of electroshock-induced seizures on key oxidative stress markers.
- To differentiate the effects of convulsive versus subconvulsive stimuli on antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation.
Main Methods:
- Maximal electroshock stimulation was used to induce generalized seizures in mice.
- Sham-stimulated and subeffectively stimulated mice served as controls.
- Spectrophotometric assays were employed to measure total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation intensity, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity.
- Measurements were taken in brain, plasma, and erythrocytes at various time points post-stimulation.
Main Results:
- Tonic seizures and subconvulsive stimulations induced immediate changes in GSH-Px activity in the brain.
- A marked reduction in TAC was observed in plasma after both stimulation types.
- Significant reduction in lipid peroxidation intensity was noted in both brain and plasma following stimulation.
- No significant changes in brain TAC were observed after tonic seizures, but a reduction occurred after subconvulsive stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Electroshock, both convulsive and subconvulsive, significantly alters the oxidative/antioxidative status in mice.
- Oxidative stress likely plays a role in the pathophysiology of seizures.
- Further research is needed to clarify the precise involvement of oxidative stress in seizure mechanisms and epilepsy.
