Protein synthesis inhibitors attenuate seizures induced in rats by lithium plus pilocarpine

The effects of two protein synthesis inhibitors, cycloheximide and anisomycin, were tested on seizures induced by coadministration of lithium and pilocarpine to rats. Systemic cycloheximide (2 mg/kg, s.c.) and centrally administered anisomycin (300 micrograms/10 microliters, i.c.v.) doubled the latency to initiation of seizures and to status epilepticus, while peripherally administered anisomycin (50 mg/kg, s.c.) completely blocked lithium-pilocarpine seizures. These results indicate that protein synthesis is required for initiation of seizures.