N-acetyl cysteine: A new look at its effect on PTZ-induced convulsions

Abstract Introduction /Aim: Epilepsy is still widely investigated as a common neurological disease requiring pharmacologically effective agents. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), the acetyl derivative of cysteine, has become a remarkable molecule with its role in both antioxidant and glutaminergic modulation. There are many points and processes waiting to be revealed regarding the role of NAC in epilepsy. Materials and Methods In this study, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was administrated to induce seizures. 30 minutes before the seizure-induced procedure, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) was administered by intraperitoneally at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg as pretreatment. There are 2 groups designed independently of each other with PTZ doses applied at different doses. These groups were formed in such a way that we evaluated the spike percentage with electroencephalography following 35 mg/kg PTZ, and behavioral observation following 70 mg/kg PTZ. As a biochemical analysis, malondialdehyde (MDA) which is an indicator of lipid peroxidation, was evaluated and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme level was analyzed. Results There was a dose-dependent reduction in seizure stage and prolonged onset time of the first myoclonic jerk in rats with N-acetylcysteine pretreatment. EEG recordings resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in spike percentages. Both doses improved MDA and SOD levels, further the results indicate that the higher dose of NAC (600 mg/kg) was more effective. Conclusion In the light of all our findings, we can report that N-acetyl cysteine has been shown to be promising with its reducing effect on convulsions. In line with these results, it is obvious that it has a beneficial effect by preventing oxidative stress. Detailed and comparative studies are needed on the convulsion-reducing effect of N acetyl cysteine in epilepsy.