ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of morin against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced tonic-clonic convulsions in mice. Methods: Swiss albino mice (18-22 g) was used to induce convulsions by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of PTZ (90 mg/kg). Mice were either pretreated with morin (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) or vehicle (distilled water, 10 mg/kg) 45 min before PTZ administration. Various behavioral and biochemical parameters were assessed. Results: PTZ administration resulted in significant production (P<0.001) of tonic-clonic conclusion and mortality in mice. PTZ-induced increase in the duration of convulsion, onset of convulsion and mortality was inhibited significantly by morin (20 and 40 mg/kg) administration. The PTZ-induced decrease in brain GABA, dopamine and Na+K+ATPase levels and increase in xanthine oxidase activity were inhibited significantly by morin (20 and 40 mg/kg) treatment. The increased levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide level were significantly decreased by morin (20 and 40 mg/kg) treatment. Also, reduced levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione were increased significantly by morin treatment. Conclusions: Results of the present study indicate that morin showed its anti-convulsant effect via modulating the levels of brain GABA, Na+K+ATPase, and oxido-nitrosative stress. Thus, morin can be a potential candidate for further clinical evaluations as an anti-epileptic agent.