[Model corasol-induced seizures are followed by increase of nitric oxide generation and are abolished by mexidol and alpha-tocopherol].

The effect of mexidol and alpha-tocopherol on the onset and development of acute epilepsy model was studied in Wistar rats using penthylenetetrazole induced convulsions. The intensity of the nitric oxide (NO) production in the cerebral cortex was determined by a direct method using electron paramagnetic resonance. The rate of lipid peroxidation (LPO) was estimated by measuring the level of secondary products (thiobarbituric acid reactive species). The peak of penthylene-tetrazole convulsions is accompanied by a significant increase in the levels of both NO and LPO products. Mexidol (150 mg/kg) and alpha-tocopherol (100 mg/kg) hindered the development of model convulsions, prevented NO buildup, and inhibited LPO growth. It is suggested that suppression of the excess NO production in the cortex and inhibition of the LPO enhancement can be involved in the mechanism of action of antiepileptic drugs.