Anticonvulsant efficiency, behavioral performance and cortisol levels: A comparison of carbamazepine (CBZ) and a fatty acid compound (SR-3)

The role of fatty acids (FA) and their impact on nervous system activity and immune function has attracted much attention. The interest extends beyond a basic understanding of the potential role exerted by FA on the neuronal membrane and its properties, to the implications and clinical significance for many neurological disorders. This is especially true for epilepsy, where many conventional anticonvulsant preparations carry undesired side effects, and a significant number of patients remain refractory to the drug treatment. We report on a comparative examination in rats of carbamazepine (CBZ) and SR-3 (a fatty acid compound) with respect to seizure control efficiency, as well as protective features against cognitive impairment and cortisol level elevation. With pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced seizures pre-treated by CBZ, or SR-3, both CBZ and SR-3 were equally effective in providing seizure control and both were superior to the saline control. However SR-3 provided greater protection in Morris Water Maze performance and control of cortisol level elevation.