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Brivaracetam does not alter spatial learning and memory in both normal and amygdala-kindled rats
E R Detrait1, K Leclercq, W Löscher
1UCB Pharma S.A., CNS Research, Chemin du Foriest, B-1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium. eric.detrait@ucb.com
Epilepsy Research
|August 4, 2010
Summary
Brivaracetam (BRV), an antiepileptic drug, did not impair memory or cognitive functions in rats, even at protective seizure doses. This suggests BRV may avoid memory deficits common with other antiepileptic drugs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can cause memory deficits.
- Brivaracetam (BRV) is a novel SV2A ligand and sodium channel inhibitor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate BRV's effects on cognitive function and memory.
- To assess BRV's impact on long-term potentiation (LTP) in rats.
Main Methods:
- Administered BRV (2.1-21.0 mg/kg) to normal and amygdala-kindled rats.
- Used the Morris water maze for place learning and memory assessment.
- Investigated BRV's effect on hippocampal CA1 LTP in rat slices.
Main Results:
- BRV did not alter learning, memory, or swimming speed in rats.
- BRV did not affect spatial memory in the Morris water maze.
- BRV did not impede LTP induction in hippocampal slices.
Conclusions:
- BRV is unlikely to cause detrimental effects on hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions.
- BRV shows potential as an antiepileptic treatment with preserved cognitive function.
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