Can the Impact of Topiramate on Memory Processes be Related to Its 'Antialcoholic Activity'?-A Preclinical Study

Topiramate causes the inhibition of alcohol consumption in addicts but the mechanism of this action has not been fully understood yet. Nowadays, it seems that memory may have a role in the development of dependence. In this study, the impact of topiramate and ethanol on the bioelectric activity of the brain in rabbits and on spatial memory in rats was evaluated.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of co-administration of topiramate and ethanol on bioelectric activity of the rabbits' brain and on spatial memory in rats. Topiramate decreased ethanol-induced changes in all studied brain structures and improved memory and learning processes.

A pharmaco-electroencephalography study was used to examine the effect of topiramate (25 mg/kg/day) co-administered for 6 weeks with ethanol on the bioelectric activity of the rabbits' brain. The influence of the drug was also assessed in first and second weeks of the abstinence period. Spatial memory was evaluated in rats using Morris water maze task. Topiramate (60 mg/kg/day) was administered with the ethanol for 3 weeks and for 2 weeks in the abstinence.

After 6 weeks of topiramate and ethanol administration, the drug decreased ethanol-induced changes in the midbrain reticular formation, hippocampus and frontal cortex. In the abstinence, the drug also inhibited the features of neuronal hyperactivity, especially in the hippocampus. Moreover, topiramate co-administered with ethanol for 3 weeks decreased ethanol-induced memory disturbance in rats. This beneficial effect was also observed in the second week of abstinence.

These findings reveal that 'antialcoholic' activity of topiramate may be associated with its advantageous effect on memory and learning processes.