Neurosteroids (NS) are considered important modulators of brain functions. Lindane a pesticide has been shown to affect the nervous system adversely. The present study was designed to explore the modulation of the effects of lindane on convulsions by Allopregnenalone (AP), and 4′-Chlorodiazepam (4′-CD), in both acute and chronic seizure models using Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). We used acute and chronic models. In the acute model, seizures were induced by PTZ 90mg/kg, intra-peritoneal (i.p.) injection, while in the chronic model, kindling was induced by injecting PTZ 30 mg/kg sub-cutaneous(s.c) on alternate days three times in a week. Lindane produced augmented effect on convulsions by decreasing the onset of preclonic convulsions and increased duration of clonic convulsions. AP (2.5mg/kg, i.p) and 4′-CD (0.5mg/kg, i.p) were able to attenuate the effect of acute as well as chronic exposure of lindane. They significantly increased the onset and decreased the duration of convulsions in lindane-treated rats. These results conclusively demonstrate the efficacy of the neurosteroids in lindane-induced convulsions in both acute as well as chronic models. Thus, NS have a potential role as anticonvulsant in treatment of convulsions produced by pesticides like lindane.
Key words: Convulsions, Neurosteroids, Pesticides, PTZ
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