Levetiracetam exhibits protective properties on rat Schwann cells in vitro

Oxidative stress and inflammation represent pathways causing substantial damage to the peripheral nervous system. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a commonly used antiepileptic drug targeting high-voltage activated N-type calcium channels. Recent evidence suggests that LEV may also act as a histone deacetylase inhibitor, suggesting that this drug exhibits both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, and as such may represent an interesting candidate for treating inflammatory diseases affecting the peripheral nerve. Therefore, we analysed the influence of LEV ex vivo on purified Schwann cells from neonatal P3 rats as well as on dorsal root ganglia prepared from E15 rat embryos. LEV diminished a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increase of the pro-inflammatory signature molecules tumour necrosis factor alpha, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and caspase 6. Furthermore, LEV decreased LPS-induced cell death and protected cells against oxidative stress in a glutamate-based oxidative stress model. MMP-2 activity, usually elevated during myelination and repair, was also found to be up-regulated following LEV, while LEV exhibited no negative effects on myelination. Intracellular sodium or calcium concentrations were unaltered by LEV. Thus, LEV may be a promising, well-tolerated drug that - besides its antiepileptic potential - mediates anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic properties that may potentially be useful in treating diseases of the peripheral nerve.