Reversal of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure activity in mice by nickel chloride

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to investigate the anticonvulsant potential of nickel which is shown to selectively block t-type calcium channels by using nickel choride on pentylenetetrazole (80 mg/kg) induced seizure activity model in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seizures were assessed in terms of onset of Straub's tail phenomenon and onset of jerky movements of the whole body, convulsions, and death. Sodium valproate served as a standard control in the present study. RESULTS: Nickel chloride (5 mg/kg i.p. and 10 mg/kg i.p.) attenuated pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure activity in mice, as reflected by a significant increase in the onset time of Straub's tail phenomenon and onset of jerky movements of the whole body, convulsions, and death. High dose of nickel chloride showed more pronounced anticonvulsant action than sodium valproate. CONCLUSIONS: The anticonvulsant action of nickel chloride was noticeable in this study. However, further studies are required to elucidate its full anticonvulsant potential.