The CB۱ cannabinoid receptors involvement in anti-epileptic effect of safranal on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in rats

Neuroprotective effects for natural products are supported by several studies. In this regard, safranal, a constitute of saffron, has the potential to exert beneficial effects in neuro-logical disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we investigated the effect of safranal on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Also, the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinjection of AM۲۵۱ as a CB۱-cannabinoid receptors antagonist to clarify the possible mechanism of safranal were evaluated. Epileptiform activity was induced by intra-cortical administration of penicillin (۳۰۰ IU, ۱.۵۰ μL) in urethane-anesthetized rats. Electrocorticographic recordings were used to analyze the frequency and amplitude of spike waves. Intraperitoneal injections of safranal at doses of ۱.۰۰ and ۴.۰۰ mg kg-۱ significantly reduced both the number and amplitude of spike waves. The ICV microinjection of AM۲۵۱ (۰.۵۰ μg ۲.۰۰ μL-۱) significantly increased the frequency and amplitude of spike waves. In addition, the anti-epileptic effect induced by administration of safranal at a dose of ۴.۰۰ mg kg-۱ was partially prevented by ICV microinjection of ۰.۵۰ μg ۲.۰۰ μL-۱ of AM۲۵۱. The results showed anti-epileptiform activities for safranal. Central CB۱ cannabinergic receptors might be involved in the anti-epileptiform activity of safranal.

Keywords:

AM۲۵۱ , epileptiform activity , Penicillin , Rat , Safranal