Vigabatrin has antiepileptogenic and antidepressant effects in an animal model of epilepsy and depression comorbidity

To evaluate the effects of Vigabatrin (VGB) treatment, on both absence seizure and depressive-like behaviour development in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence seizures. Early long-term treatment with VGB could alter the development of absence pathology, by significantly reducing seizure generation and synchronization in contrast to its pro-absence effects observed after acute or subchronic administration. We have demonstrated the antidepressant effects of a sub-chronic treatment with VGB in both wistar and WAG/Rij rats. In contrast, following an early long-term treatment, VGB antidepressant effects were only observable in WAG/Rij rats. In conclusion, VGB has antiepileptogenic and antidepressant properties in the WAG/Rij rat model despite its pro-absence effects suggesting that epilepsy and depression, in this animal model, are directly related and that seizure development inhibition also reduces the development of depressive behaviour.

► Vigabatrin reduces seizure generation and synchronization in WAG/Rij rats.
► Vigabatrin has anti-depressant effects after a sub-chronic treatment in rats.
► Vigabatrin long-term treatment has anti-depressant effects only in WAG/Rij rats.
► Epilepsy and depression in this animal model are directly related.
► Seizure development inhibition reduces the development of depressive behavior.