Long-term disease-modifying effect of the endocannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 in a rat model of audiogenic epilepsy

Background modulation of the endocannabinoid (ecb) transmission is a promising approach to treating epilepsy. animal models can be used to investigate this approach. krushinsky-molodkina (km) rats have,genetically,audiogenic epilepsy. moreover,in these animals,repeated induction of audiogenic seizures results in a progressive prolongation of the seizures,known as audiogenic kindling. methods the present study evaluated,in these km rats,acute and long-term effects of a single dose of 4 mg/kg of the cannabinoid-receptor agonist win55,212-2. results administration of the single dose of win55,212-2 one hour before the 4th seizure delayed the kindling process by two weeks,without any acute effect on the audiogenic seizures. conclusions this result suggests that short-term potentiation of the ecb system might modify the epileptogenic disease process in patients with a progressive course of epilepsy. © 2014 institute of pharmacology,polish academy of sciences. published by elsevier urban & partner sp. z o.o. all rights reserved.