Antiepileptic effects of quinine in the pentylenetetrazole model of seizure

Quinine, is an anti-malarial drug that specifically blocks connexin 36 (Cx36) at gap junction channels. Quinine has suppressed ictal epileptiform activity in vitro without decreasing neuronal excitability. Thus, we considered the possible anticonvulsant effects of quinine in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) model of seizure. Moreover, we studied the hypnotic effect and locomotor activity of quinine in mice. In the PTZ model, quinine at the dose of 60 mg/kg increased the latency of seizure. However, quinine at 40–60 mg/kg decreased the duration of seizure, dose dependently. In the potentiation of pentobarbitone sleep test, quinine significantly increased sleeping time and decreased latency to fall asleep at doses of 50 and 60 mg/kg in mice. Also, quinine decreased total locomotion in the present study. It can be concluded that quinine possesses anticonvulsant and hypnotic effects, which could contribute to the control of seizure.