Interaction of Opioid Receptors in Anticonvulsant Effect of Progesterone in Ovariectomized Mice

Background: it is well known that progesterone (i.p.) have a potent anticonvulsant effect in human and animal. this study was designed to evaluate the involvement of opioid receptors in this effect of progesterone in ovariectomized mice. methods: all animal received intraperitoneal injection of drugs (progesterone and naloxone) two week s after surgery, for ovariectomy. convulsion induced by subcutaneous injection of drugs. onset, number, death time and duration of convulsion were recorded for evaluation of the convulsion. results: progesterone (25, 50 mg/kg i.p.) decreased the convulsive symptoms. anticonvulsant effect of high dose of progesterone was abolished by naloxone (5 mg/kg i.p.). administration of the same doses of the naloxone, did not alone affect strychnine- induced convulsion. conclusion: these results suggest that central opioids receptors may be play an important role in the anticonvulsant effect of progesterone.