title: The anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of walnuts on the neurons of rat brain cortex.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epilepsy is a chief communal health problem. Antiepileptic drugs only provide symptomatic treatment. Walnut Kernels (WK) have high concentrations of phenolic compounds, which have beneficial effects on human health because of their antioxidant and anti-atherogenic properties. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of WK supplementation for the prevention of experimental epilepsy in male rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  WISTAR ADULT MALE RATS WERE DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS: a control group (PTZ injection, fed with ordinary food), experimental group (PTZ injection, fed with WK) and a sham group (no PTZ injection, only for histological studies). Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was administered after the prescribed time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  WKs displayed anti-epileptogenic properties, and WK supplementation was associated with increased seizure threshold and reduced mortality in the experimental group versus controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of WK may be helpful in prevention of PTZ-induced seizure and its further neurodegeneration in male rats.
authors: Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
authors: Majid
authors: M
authors: Asadi-Shekaari
authors: Taj Pari
authors: TP
authors: Kalantaripour
authors: Fatemeh Arab
authors: FA
authors: Nejad
authors: Elaheh
authors: E
authors: Namazian
authors: Azam
authors: A
authors: Eslami
keywords: Antioxidants; Neuroprotective; Rat; Seizures