Effects of high‐fat high‐carbohydrate diet on pentylenetetrazole seizure threshold in rat (1042.6)

There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress is a casual factor in different neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease and epilepsy. We have previously shown that consumption of high‐fat, high‐carbohydrate diet (HFCD) induces oxidative stress, which results in hippocampal neuron damage, hence impairment of learning and memory, which was reversed Vitamin E (Vit E). Damage in the hippocampus due to consumption of HFCD could alter synaptic transmission and may increase susceptibility to seizures. This study examined the effects of chronic consumption of HFCD on susceptibility to seizures using PTZ seizure threshold test. Male Wistar rats (250‐ 300 gms) were randomly assigned to four groups: control, HFCD, Vit E, and HFCD diet with Vit E (HFCD + Vit E). Vit E and/or HFCD were concurrently administered to animals for 6 weeks. Thereafter, PTZ seizure threshold was measured in control and treated rats. Results revealed that PTZ seizure threshold was significantly reduced in rats consuming HFCD. This effect was reversed in rats consuming HFCD and concurrently administered Vit E. No significant change in PTZ seizures threshold was detected in rats on regular diet and treated with Vit E. These data suggest that prolonged consumption of HFCD increases susceptibility to PTZ‐induced seizures. Such an effect may be related to HFCD‐ induced oxidative stress and was prevented by the antioxidant vitamin E, probably through normalizing antioxidant mechanism in the hippocampus. Grant Funding Source : Supported by grants from Arabian Gulf University and Jordan University of Science and Technology