Positive effect of calcitonin on the seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole in rats

• Calcitonin has positive effect on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats.
• Calcitonin reduces the spike percentages in EEG traces.
• Calcitonin reduces the Racine's convulsion scores and prolongs onset times of FMJ.
• Positive effect of the calcitonin on seizures is more pronounced with increased dosage.
• Calcitonin can be considered as a new candidate for anti-epileptic treatment.

SummaryThere are many difficulties involved with the treatment of epilepsy, and these problems have driven the search for new agents to control epileptic seizures. Calcitonin is a peptide hormone that has been well studied and shown to have a positive effect on neuropathic and chronic pain. The mechanism by which calcitonin affects these pain syndromes is thought to be similar to the effect of antiepileptic drugs, such as pregabalin, gabapentin and carbamazepine. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of calcitonin on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in rats. The rats were divided into four groups. The first group was the control group, and the rats were given no medications. The second group was given saline + PTZ. The third group was given 50 IU/kg calcitonin + PTZ, and the fourth group was given 100 IU/kg calcitonin + PTZ. EEG traces, Racine's convulsion stages and the time of onset of the first myoclonic jerk were compared between the groups. Between the groups, there were significant differences in the Racine's convulsion stages, the onset of the ‘first myoclonic jerk’, and the rate of the spikes in the EEG traces. The differences were more pronounced in the 100 IU/kg calcitonin-treated group (p < 0.001).It has been stated that calcitonin relieves pain via regulating voltage-gated Ca2+ and/or Na+ channels. Calcitonin has a positive effect on convulsions in epileptic rats, possibly using the same mechanisms as is used in the treatment of neuropathic and chronic pain.