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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
Published on: July 8, 2025
Montelukast inhibits pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in rats
Betul Cevik1, Volkan Solmaz2, Durdane Aksoy1
1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey.
Background:
Montelukast is an antiinflammatory drug with an antioxidant property. In this study, we aimed to reveal whether montelukast has a preventive effect against seizures and post-seizure oxidative stress in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures in rats.
Material And Methods:
Of the 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats used in the study, 24 were assigned to EEG recordings (group A) and 24 were assigned to behavioral studies (group B). In group A, the electrodes were implanted on dura over the left frontal cortex for EEG recording. After 10 days, in group A, i.p. saline, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg montelukast+35 mg/kg PTZ was administered to the rats. EEG was recorded and spike percentage was evaluated. In group B, i.p. saline, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg montelukast+70 mg/kg PTZ was administered to the rats. Racine's Convulsion Scale (RCS) and onset times of first myoclonic jerk (FMJ) was used to evaluate the seizures. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined in the brain tissue of animals.
Results:
Animals treated with 50 or 100 mg/kg montelukast had significantly lower RCS and significantly increased FMJ onset time compared to the saline-treated animals. Moreover, groups given 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg montelukast had significantly lower MDA and higher SOD levels compared to the saline-treated group. The differences were more pronounced in the 100 mg/kg montelukast-pretreated group (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
Montelukast showed anticonvulsant action and led to amelioration of oxidative stress markers in PTZ-induced seizures in rats.
Insights
Montelukast demonstrates anticonvulsant effects and reduces oxidative stress in pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in rats. This anti-inflammatory drug offers a potential preventive strategy against seizures and their associated oxidative damage.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Montelukast, an anti-inflammatory drug, possesses antioxidant properties.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in seizure pathophysiology.
- Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) is a common chemoconvulsant used to induce seizures in animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential anticonvulsant effects of montelukast.
- To evaluate the efficacy of montelukast in preventing oxidative stress post-seizure.
- To assess montelukast's impact on PTZ-induced seizures in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into EEG recording and behavioral study groups.
- Rats received intraperitoneal injections of saline or varying doses of montelukast (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) followed by PTZ.
- Seizure activity was assessed using EEG, Racine's Convulsion Scale (RCS), and first myoclonic jerk (FMJ) onset time.
- Brain tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined.
Main Results:
- Montelukast administration (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced seizure severity (RCS) and increased the onset time of the first myoclonic jerk (FMJ).
- Montelukast treatment (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) significantly decreased MDA levels and increased SOD levels in brain tissue.
- These protective effects were dose-dependent, with the highest dose (100 mg/kg) showing the most pronounced improvements.
Conclusions:
- Montelukast exhibits significant anticonvulsant activity in the PTZ-induced seizure model.
- Montelukast effectively ameliorates oxidative stress markers, reducing both MDA and enhancing SOD levels.
- The findings suggest montelukast as a potential therapeutic agent for managing seizures and associated oxidative stress.
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