Region-specific changes in gene expression in rat brain after chronic treatment with levetiracetam or phenytoin.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

It is commonly assumed that antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) act similarly in the various parts of the brain as long as their molecular targets are present. A few experimental studies on metabolic effects of vigabatrin, levetiracetam, valproate, and lamotrigine have shown that these drugs may act differently in different brain regions. We examined effects of chronic treatment with levetiracetam or phenytoin on mRNA levels to detect regional drug effects in a broad, nonbiased manner.

Methods

mRNA levels were monitored in three brain regions with oligonucleotide-based microarrays.

Results

Levetiracetam (150 mg/kg for 90 days) changed the expression of 65 genes in pons/medulla oblongata, two in hippocampus, and one in frontal cortex. Phenytoin (75 mg/kg), in contrast,

SUBMITTER: Hassel B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4151330 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature