ANTICONVULSANT EFFECTS OF BENZHYDRYL PIPERAZINES ON MAXIMAL ELECTROSHOCK SEIZURES IN RATS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 208  (3) , 480-484
Abstract
The anticonvulsant effects of 4 benzhydryl piperazines, SC-13504 (ropizine, an anticonvulsant), hydroxyzine (HDX, an anxiolytic), chlorcyclizine (CCZ, an antihistaminic) and buclizine (BUC, an antihistaminic), were investigated utilizing a modified maximal electroshock seizure test in rats. In addition to detecting the presence or absence of tonic hindlimb extension, the modified method quantified various phases of the seizure. All 4 benzhydryl piperazines exhibited anticonvulsant activity in maximal electroshock seizure, but SC-13504 was similar in efficacy to phenobarbital and phenytoin and much more effective than HDX, CCZ or BUC. SC-13504 possessed a therapeutic index much greater than any of the compounds tested. The duration of action of the benzhydryl piperazines in hours was: SC-13504, 0.5-8; HDX, 0.5-2; CCZ, 0.5-16; BUC, 2-8. BUC and CCZ were postulated to be converted to active anticonvulsant metabolites.