[Neuroendocrine effects of the chronic administration of carbamazepine in male and female rats].

Relationships between epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs and neuroendocrinological events justify the study of an eventual influence of antiepileptic drugs of the regulation mechanisms of ovulation. Thus carbamazepine effects on the oestrus cycle of female rats and on FSH, LH and PRL serum levels has been studied. Carbamazepine was given orally once daily for 21 consecutive days to Wistar AF SPF female (exhibiting regular 4 days cycles) and male rats: three doses were used: 100, 10 and 5 mg per kg bodyweight. Oestrous cycle was studied by daily vaginal smears. Our data show that carbamazepine do not significantly modify the evolution of oestrous cycle nor FSH, LH or PRL serum levels. These results agree with those of literature even if literature data have been obtained with a single administration in man. Finally our data confirm also a previous work on oestrous cycle effects of perinatal exposure to carbamazepine in the female rat.