Potentiation of Pentylenetetrazole-induced neuronal damage by dimethyl sulfoxide in chemical kindling model in rats

OBJECTIVES: Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is commonly used as a vehicle for many hydrophobic drugs. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of low dose of DMSO (0.1 %) on Pentylenetetrazole(PTZ) induced neuronal damage in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Young male Wistar rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups as follows saline control group, DMSO control group, PTZ group (35 mg/kg), and combination group (DMSO + PTZ) Animals were observed for seizure score, latency to develop kindling, percentage of animals kindled, and histopathological score of hippocampus. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the seizure scores and histopathological scores in the combination group as compared to PTZ-treated group. The latency to develop kindling was, however, decreased in the combination group (4th week) as compared to PTZ (6th week) group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has concluded that 0.1% DMSO in PTZ-induced rat model of epileptogenesis needs further optimization and should be used cautiously.