Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of histamine on chronic epilepsy induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ).
Methods: To induce chemical kindling, a subconvulsive dose (35mg/kg) of PTZ was ip injected every 48 h in rats. Behavior changes were observed for 30 min after every injection of PTZ.
Result: Ip injection of histidine or icv injection of clobenpropit inhibited the development of kindling induced by PTZ, presenting prolonged latency for myoclonic jerks and clonic generalized seizures and depressed seizure stages in a dose-dependent manner. H(3)receptor agonist, immepip, and histidine decarboxylase, alpha-fluoromethylhistidine reversed the ameliorating effect of clobenpropit on seizure development in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion: Brain histamine plays an important role in protection against myoclonic jerks and clonic generalized clonic seizures and its action may be via H(3)receptor.