ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the antiepileptic effect of dizocilpine (MK-801) on amygdala kindling models in rats and the effects of its combination with general antiepileptic drugs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>To establish amygdala kindling models in rats and observe the effect of dizocilpine on kindling models and its combination with general antiepileptic drugs (phenobarbital, valproate and nicardipine) at ineffective dose. The influence of dizocilpine on convulsions induced by semicarbazide (SCZ) in mice were also observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Dizocilpine (0.1-0.25 mg.kg-1, i.p.) was shown to dose-dependently inhibit amygdala kindled seizure, shorten the after discharge duration (ADD) and reduce the Racine's stage (P < 0.01). The combination of dizocilpine with phenobarbital, valproate, nicardipine at ineffective dose shortened ADD or reduced Racine's stages (P < 0.01). Dizocilpine (0.1-0.25 mg.kg-1, i.p.) significantly prolonged the latency and reduced the rate of convulsions and death in mice.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Dizocilpine inhibits the seizure of the amygdala kindling and improve the antiepileptic activity of phenobarbital, valproate and nicardipine, indicating that these combination may provide a new approach for treating epilepsy.</p>