SYM 2206 (a potent non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist) elevates the threshold for maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of SYM 2206 (a potent non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist) on the threshold for maximal electroshock (MEST)-induced seizures in mice. Electroconvulsions were produced in mice by means of a current (sinewave, 50 Hz, maximum 500 V, strength from 4 to 14 mA, 0.2-s stimulus duration, tonic hind limb extension taken as the endpoint) delivered via ear-clip electrodes. SYM 2206 administered systemically (i.p.), 30 min before the MEST test, at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, did not alter the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions in mice. In contrast, SYM 2206 at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg significantly elevated the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions in mice (P<0.01 and P<0.001). Linear regression analysis of SYM 2206 doses and their corresponding threshold increases allowed for the determination of threshold increasing doses by 20% and 50% (TID₂₀ and TID₅₀ values) that elevate the threshold in drug-treated animals over the threshold in control animals. The experimentally derived TID₂₀ and TID₅₀ values for SYM 2206 were 4.25 and 10.56 mg/kg, respectively. SYM 2206 dose-dependently increased the threshold for MEST-induced seizures, suggesting the anticonvulsant action of the compound in this seizure model in mice.