Abstract

Background:
Epileptic seizures are common neurological disorders, and the therapeutic use of antiepileptic drugs is often limited due to adverse effects or refractory epilepsy.

Aim:
The present investigation aimed to explore the anticonvulsant potential of glycine (Gly) and its interaction with carbamazepine (CBZ) in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-elicited convulsive model in chicks by measuring neurotransmitters and inflammatory cytokines in brain tissue.

Methods:
In this experimental study, 70 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to seven groups. The negative control (NC) was given physiological saline, whereas the positive control (PC) was treated with PTZ (80 mg/kg). The remaining groups received oral administrations of CBZ (50 mg/kg), Gly (500 mg/kg), Gly (500 mg/kg) with CBZ, Gly (1000 mg/kg), and Gly (1000 mg/kg) with CBZ for six consecutive days. Two hours following the final treatment dose, convulsions were induced by PTZ, and the onset of convulsions was recorded for 30 minutes, and mortality was recorded 3 hours later.

Results:
CBZ alone and in combination with Gly completely prevented PTZ-induced convulsions and mortality in chicks. Gly (1000 mg/kg) significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, while Gly in combination with CBZ significantly increased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels.

Conclusion:
Gly possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and when combined with CBZ, it enhances anticonvulsant efficacy of CBZ, which is limited to GABA levels. Further studies are needed to clarify its pharmacological effects in convulsive disorders.

Key words: Anticonvulsant; Cytokines; Neuroinflammation.