Possible role of GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor in anticonvulsant effects of Pasipay in rats.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the anticonvulsant effects of Pasipay, a commercially available preparation of hydro-alcoholic extract of Passiflora incarnata in rats.


METHODS
The anticonvulsant effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of P. incarnata, Pasipay, were observed by intracerebroventricular injection of 0.125, 0.25, 0.55 and 1.5 microg Pasipay.


RESULTS
Pasipay could dose-dependently affected minimal clonic seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, through increment in seizure onset significantly. Additionally, pretreatment with 5 nmol/L flumazenil could abolish the anticonvulsant effects of Pasipay on the onset of both seizures.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that Pasipay has anticonvulsant effects in the brain, possibly through positive allosteric modulation of the GABAA receptor complex via interaction at the benzodiazepine site.
Nassiri-Asl
Marjan
M
Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Qazvin University, Qazvin, Iran. marjannassiriaslm@gmail.com
Zamansoltani
Farzaneh
F
Shariati-Rad
Schwann
S
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D029598:Passiflora / Q000737:chemistry*; D010433:Pentylenetetrazole; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects*; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D003975:Diazepam; D010433:Pentylenetetrazole