Therapeutic effects of fluorescent gabapentin carbon quantum dots on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in rats

We aimed to synthesise carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from the active molecule gabapentin (GBP) and to evaluate their effects on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures in rats. Gabapentin CQDs (GBPCQDs) were synthesised using a rapid, one-pot microwave-assisted method and characterised by particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and fluorescence properties. Adult male Wistar rats received GBP or GBPCQDs (15, 30, 60 or 120 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) 30 min before PTZ administration (50 mg/kg). Seizure onset times and severity were assessed, and locomotor activity was evaluated at the most effective doses. While GBP did not significantly affect seizure onset, GBPCQDs at 15 mg/kg significantly prolonged the onset time of PTZ-induced seizures. Both GBP and GBPCQDs significantly reduced seizure severity at all tested doses, however, GBPCQDs at 60 and 120 mg/kg were more effective than the corresponding doses of GBP. Neither treatment produced significant changes in locomotor activity. Fluorescence imaging demonstrated the presence of GBPCQDs in the prefrontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus, with the highest fluorescence intensity observed in the prefrontal cortex. These findings indicate that GBPCQDs may provide therapeutic advantages over conventional GBP and represent a promising fluorescent nanocarrier for brain-targeted drug delivery in epilepsy.