Effects of fluoxetine on electrically-induced spinal cord seizures in rats

The effects of fluoxetine [an inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) reuptake] on electrically-induced spinal cord seizures were determined by monitoring alterations in the total duration of seizure, as well as the durations of tonic flexion and extension. The capacity of fluoxetine to inhibit 5-HT reuptake in the spinal cord was confirmed by measurements of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) content. When given in a dose of 10 mg/kg, fluoxetine failed to produce an effect on spinal cord seizures or on 5-HIAA content. However, a dose of 20 mg/kg did significantly reduce 5-HIAA content although it did not alter seizure activity. These results further support our earlier suggestion that 5-HT containing neurons in the spinal cord do not modulate electrically-induced seizures.