Influence of NR2B-selective NMDA antagonist on lindane-induced seizures in rats

Ifenprodil is a novel NMDA receptor antagonist that selectively inhibits receptors containing the NR2B subunit. Lindane, a widely used pesticide and scabicide, evokes seizures mainly through the blockade of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor complex. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ifenprodil on the behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) manifestations of seizures in lindane-treated rats. Adult male Wistar rats with three electrodes implanted into the skull were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with lindane 8 mg/kg and observed for seizure behavior and EEG during the next 30 min. Seizure behavior was assessed by incidence, severity (determined by a descriptive rating scale ranging from 0 to 4) and duration of latency. Increasing doses of ifenprodil (5, 10, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle were injected 30 min prior to lindane administration. Ifenprodil decreased the incidence and severity of lindane seizures and prolonged the latency to seizures in a dose-dependent manner. 20 mg/kg of ifenprodil significantly decreased the incidence (p < 0.05) and severity (p < 0.05) of seizures when compared to the vehicle treatment. Latency to seizures was significantly prolonged by 10 and 20 mg/kg of ifenprodil. The estimated ED(50) value of ifenprodil was 15.53 (5.48-15.20) mg/kg. The lindane-induced bursts of spiking activity in EEG were not completely suppressed by the applied doses of ifenprodil. These results indicate that ifenprodil alleviates behavioral seizures and modifies EEG characteristics of lindane seizures in rats, thus showing the involvement of NMDA receptors containing the NR2B subunit in the mechanisms of lindane convulsions.