Abstract:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diazepam on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the anti-convulsant activity of diazepam on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures in rats. 24 male Wistar Albino rats were used in the study. Rats were divided into 4 groups as control group, saline (1 mL kg-1) +PTZ, diazepam (0.5 mg kg-1) +PTZ and diazepam (2 mg kg-1) +PTZ group (n=6). For biochemical studies, 24 hours after PTZ application, brain tissues of all rats were removed and cortex and hippocampus regions were isolated NOS and BDNF levels in the cortex and hippocampus were measured using ELISA kits. Diazepam significantly decreased the seizure stage and prolonged the first myoclonic jerk (IMJ) time compared to the saline group (p<0.001). Saline+PTZ significantly decreased NOS levels in the hippocampus when compared to the control group (p<0.05). However, the diazepam+PTZ groups significantly increased the hippocampal NOS level compared to the saline+PTZ group (p<0.001). In addition, the saline + PTZ group increased the BDNF level in the cortex and hippocampus compared to the control (p<0.05), while the BDNF level was lower in the diazepam+PTZ group compared to the saline+PTZ group (p<0.001). Diazepam increased NOS levels in the hippocampus and decreased BDNF levels in the cortex and hippocampus. In conclusion, the regulatory effect of diazepam on NOS and BDNF may be related to its anti-convulsant mechanisms.

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