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Triheptanoin in acute mouse seizure models
Nicola K Thomas1, Sarah Willis, Lawrence Sweetman
1School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
Epilepsy Research
|January 21, 2012
Summary
Triheptanoin, a potential epilepsy treatment, showed inconsistent anticonvulsant effects in acute seizure models. However, it demonstrated a unique profile and potential as an add-on therapy for refractory epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Triheptanoin, a triglyceride of heptanoate, is utilized for hereditary metabolic diseases due to its anaplerotic potential.
- Previous studies indicated reproducible anticonvulsant properties of triheptanoin in chronic mouse seizure models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anticonvulsant effects of triheptanoin in standard acute seizure models in C3H and CD1 mice.
- To evaluate the impact of triheptanoin feeding on blood propionyl-carnitine levels.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed 30-40% caloric intake of triheptanoin.
- Acute seizure models were employed, including fluorothyl, pentylenetetrazole, and 6Hz.
- Maximal electroshock threshold was assessed after 3 weeks of 35% triheptanoin feeding.
Main Results:
- Triheptanoin feeding consistently elevated blood propionyl-carnitines.
- Anticonvulsant effects were inconsistent across different acute seizure models.
- A significant increase in the maximal electroshock threshold was observed after 3 weeks of 35% triheptanoin feeding (p=0.018).
Conclusions:
- Triheptanoin exhibits a unique anticonvulsant profile compared to existing clinical treatments.
- Despite inconsistent effects in acute models, triheptanoin warrants further investigation.
- Triheptanoin shows promise as a potential add-on therapy for medically refractory epilepsy.
