L-pGlu-(2-propyl)-L-His-L-ProNH₂ attenuates 4-aminopyridine-induced epileptiform activity and sodium current: a possible action of new thyrotropin-releasing hormone analog for its anticonvulsant potential

Abstract

L-PGlu-(2-propyl)-L-His-L-ProNH₂ (NP-647) is a CNS active thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) analog with potential application in various CNS disorders including seizures. In the present study, mechanism of action for protective effect of NP-647 was explored by studying role of NP-647 on epileptiform activity and sodium channels by using patch-clamp methods. Epileptiform activity was induced in subicular pyramidal neurons of hippocampal slice of rat by perfusing 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) containing Mg⁺²-free normal artificial cerebrospinal fluid (nACSF). Increase in mean firing frequency was observed after perfusion of 4-AP and zero Mg⁺² (2.10±0.47 Hz) as compared with nACSF (0.12±0.08 Hz). A significant decrease in mean firing frequency (0.61±0.22 Hz), mean frequency of epileptiform events (0.03±0.02 Hz vs. 0.22±0.05 Hz of 4-AP+0 Mg), and average number of action potentials in paroxysmal depolarization shift-burst (2.54±1.21 Hz vs. 8.16±0.88 Hz of 4-AP+0 Mg) was observed. A significant reduction in peak dV/dt (246±19 mV ms⁻¹ vs. 297±18 mV ms⁻¹ of 4-AP+0 Mg) and increase (1.332±0.018 ms vs. 1.292±0.019 ms of 4-AP+0 Mg) in time required to reach maximum depolarization were observed indicating role of sodium channels. Concentration-dependent depression of sodium current was observed after exposure to dorsal root ganglion neurons to NP-647. NP-647 at different concentrations (1, 3, and 10 μM) depressed sodium current (15±0.5%, 50±2.6%, and 75±0.7%, respectively). However, NP-647 did not show change in the peak sodium current in CNa18 cells. Results of present study demonstrated potential of NP-647 in the inhibition of epileptiform activity by inhibiting sodium channels indirectly.