Evaluation of cytokines expression in the phytoflavonoids treated epileptic rats: An in vivo study

Abstract

Seizure are basic characteristic of epilepsy; these initiate due to irregular, excessive and synchronous electrical discharges. We aimed to determine the antiepileptic potential of phyto-flavonoids on the evaluation of the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1 Beta, IL-10, IL-1Ra, IL 4 and NF-κB. We induced chronic epilepsy in rats by administering sub-convulsive dose of pentylenetetrazole (25 mg/kg/day for 28 days). We observed intensity and frequency of seizures. Levetiracetam was used as a standard drug and divided all the subjects into 6 groups. All experimental animals were trained to acclimatize the behaviour tests. Food and water intake, changes in the body weight and WBC levels were assessed. Using qPCR, we assessed mRNA expression levels of, TNF α, IL-6, IL1 beta, NF-κB, IL1Ra, IL-4, and IL-10. qPCR confirmed the down regulation of the pro- and up-regulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokines. Significant reduction in seizure frequency, neutrophil counts and improvement in behaviour were observed when compared treatment group to control groups. PF exerts their antiepileptic activity by the downregulation of pro- and upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines respectively.