Neuroprotective effect of minocycline on PTZ-induced epileptiform activity and alterations of the shape of action potentials in snail neurons assessed by using intracellular recordings

Introduction: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects 1-2% of the world population and about 30% of patients are resistant to antiepileptic drug therapy. Therefore, new treatment alternatives are needed. In the present study, the possible neuroprotective effect of minocycline against epileptiform activity induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was assessed. Methods: Conventional intracellular recordings were taken from F1 cells of Helix aspersa, under the current clamp condition. Following extracellular application of minocycline alone (300 and 600 μM) or in combination with PTZ (25 mM), alterations in the firing pattern and action potential wave forms were studied and compared to the control group and the group treated with PTZ alone. Results: In the presence of PTZ alone (25mM), neurons displayed paroxysmal depolarization shift (PDS)-like events and produced burst activity. When PTZ was applied following minocycline pretreatment, it did not produce burst activity, and even reduced the firing frequency. In addition, pre-exposure to minocycline prevented almost some of the changes in the AP shape induced by PTZ treatment. Conclusion: The findings indicated that minocycline may be able to exert preventive effects against induction of epileptiform activity and could be possibly considered as a new treatment option for epilepsy.