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Updated: Jul 27, 2025
Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Kindling Mouse Model
Published on: June 12, 2018
Neuroprotective Effect of Morinda citrifolia on Behavioural and Biochemical Deficits in PTZ-induced Kindled Mice
Moazzam Ali1, Prabhat Singh2, Lubhan Singh2
1Research Scholar, Faculty of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Introduction:
Epilepsy is a group of chronic neurological disorders characterized by seizures. Kindling, a chronic epileptic mouse model, was used to explore the epileptogenic mechanism and seek new anti-epileptics. In kindling, sub-convulsive (chemical/ electrical) stimuli were delivered repeatedly and erratically, eventually causing massive convulsions. Moreover, Morinda citrifolia (Noni) extracts are used as a remedy in ayurvedic preparations for many ailments. Noni has recently been shown to protect mice from amyloid beta-induced memory loss.
Objective:
This study was used to investigate the neuroprotective potential of Morinda citrifolia in mice over pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling seizure.
Methods:
Kindling was provoked by subsequent (one-day-gap) injections of PTZ (subconvulsive; 35 mg/kg; s.c.) for 29 days in mice. Following PTZ injection, convulsive behaviours were noted for 30 minutes. Open-field-test (locomotor activity), forced swimming test (depressive behaviors), elevated plus-maze, and passive avoidance tests were employed to evaluate cognition. Brain homogenate was used to estimate oxidative stress (glutathione, superoxide-dismutase, lipid-peroxidation) and acetylcholinesterase activity.
Results:
PTZ-provoked kindled mice displayed depressive behaviors, impaired locomotion, cognitive dysfunctions and various biochemical changes. However, treatment with Morinda citrifolia extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o) and valproic acid (200 mg/kg, p.o) before 60 min of each PTZ injection diminished kindling scores and restored behavioural, and biochemical changes.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest Morinda citrifolia offered neuroprotective effects against PTZinduced kindling seizures in mice, which were established by behavioural and biochemical paradigms.
Insights
Morinda citrifolia extract demonstrated neuroprotective effects against pentylenetetrazol-induced kindling seizures in mice. The extract improved behavioral and biochemical changes associated with epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures.
- Kindling is a mouse model used to study epilepsy and test anti-epileptic drugs.
- Morinda citrifolia (Noni) is traditionally used for various ailments and has shown neuroprotective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective potential of Morinda citrifolia in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling seizure model in mice.
Main Methods:
- Kindling was induced by repeated PTZ injections over 29 days.
- Behavioral tests (open-field, forced swimming, elevated plus-maze, passive avoidance) assessed cognition and depression.
- Biochemical assays measured oxidative stress markers and acetylcholinesterase activity in brain homogenates.
Main Results:
- PTZ-induced kindling caused seizures, cognitive impairment, and biochemical alterations.
- Morinda citrifolia extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg) and valproic acid (200 mg/kg) reduced seizure severity.
- Treatment restored behavioral and biochemical parameters in kindled mice.
Conclusions:
- Morinda citrifolia exhibits significant neuroprotective effects against PTZ-induced kindling seizures.
- These effects were validated through behavioral and biochemical assessments.
- Noni extract shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for epilepsy.
