Abstract
Currently available antiepileptic drugs are effective; however, frequently associated with adverse effects that limit their therapeutic value. Compounds that target the molecular events underlying epilepsy, with minor or no adverse effects, would be of clinical value. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway may be involved in epileptogenesis. The current study investigated the effects of the plant-derived hydroxyflavone, myricetin, in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced mouse model of epilepsy. Mice received an intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg body weight PTZ on alternate days (13 injections) and were observed for 30 min following each PTZ injection. Myricetin (100 or 200 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally to the treatment groups (n=18/group) for 26 days, 30 min prior to each PTZ injection. Treatment with myricetin reduced seizure and mortality rates. Increased apoptotic cell count and elevated expression levels of apoptotic proteins caused by PTZ kindling were downregulated following treatment with myricetin. The BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway and MMP-9 expression levels were regulated by myricetin. Expression of γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABA) receptor and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65, as well as the glutamate/GABA balance, were restored following treatment with myricetin. The results of the present study indicated that myricetin may exert protective effects by regulating the molecular events associated with epileptogenesis.