Topiramate treatment during the peripubertal period does not alter aortic endothelial function in female Wistar rats

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the short-and long-term adverse effects of blood pressure (BP), vascular endothelial function, and estrogen receptor (ER & alpha; and ER8) modulation on endothelial function in female Wistar rats treated with topiramate (TPM), an antiepileptic drug, during the peripubertal period. Materials and methods: Female Wistar rats were treated with TPM (41 mg/kg) or water (CTR group) by gavage from postnatal day (PND) 28 to 50 (peripubertal phase). At the end of the treatment, the TPM and CTR rats were divided into two groups and evaluated after 24 h or from PND 85 (adulthood). The rats were evaluated for: thoracic aorta reactivity to phenylephrine (Phenyl), acetylcholine (ACh), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP); aortic ring reactivity after ER & alpha; and ER8 antagonism; and BP. Key findings: It was observed that vascular response to Phenyl, ACh, and SNP was similar between TPM and CTR rats in the short-and long-term evaluations. In addition, the ER antagonism did not interfere with aortic contraction or relaxation in either TPM or CTR. Significance: Taken together, the results show that TPM treatment during the peripubertal period does not alter aortic endothelial function and its estrogen modulation via classic ER in female Wistar rats, suggesting that TPM treatment in this period is safe for the vascular system.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the short and long-term adverse effects of the antiepileptic drug topiramate (TPM) on blood pressure, vascular endothelial function, and estrogen receptor modulation in female rats during the peripubertal period. The results showed that TPM treatment did not alter aortic endothelial function or estrogen modulation via classic ER in female rats, indicating that TPM treatment during this period is safe for the vascular system.