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  • Title: The alpha 2 adrenoreceptor agonist clonidine suppresses seizures, whereas the alpha 2 adrenoreceptor antagonist idazoxan promotes seizures: pontine microinfusion studies of amygdala-kindled kittens.
    Author: Shouse MN, Langer J, Bier M, Farber PR, Alcalde O, Moghimi R, Richkind M, Szymusiak R.
    Journal: Brain Res; 1996 Aug 26; 731(1-2):203-7. PubMed ID: 8883871.
    Abstract:
    This is the first report showing that microinfusion of alpha 2 adrenoreceptor agonists and antagonists into the vicinity of the locus ceruleus (LC) have contrasting effects on evoked amygdala-kindled seizure susceptibility. Microinfusion (1 microliter) of the alpha 2 agonist clonidine (CLON) and of the alpha 2 antagonist idazoxan (IDA) were made over 1 min through cannulae in the LC ipsilateral to the kindled amygdala in 6 kittens. Order of administered drugs (CLON vs. IDA) and dosages (n = 3 each) were partly counterbalanced. Focal and convulsive seizure thresholds were evaluated 10-12 min post-infusion and compared to thresholds obtained during two, interspersed control conditions (vehicle control = 1 microliter microinfusion of sterile saline; sham control = needle insertion only). CLON significantly elevated focal and generalized seizure thresholds, whereas IDA significantly reduced seizure thresholds when compared to controls. Magnitude of effects was dose-dependent. These findings confirm that norepinephrine (NE) is a potent antiepileptic agent. Results also suggest that pontine microinfusions could eventually provide an alternative treatment option for medically refractory limbic epilepsy.
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