OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effect of the A2A receptor blockage by the SCH58261 in the seizure modulation and neuroprotection of the brain areas vulnerable to injury by pilocarpine. The effect of SCH58261 was also analyzed in combination with the activation of the A1 receptors by R-Pia. METHODS: Eight groups were studied: Pilo, SCH+Pilo, R-Pia+Pilo, R-Pia+SCH+Pilo, and respective controls. The number of animals in status epilepticus (SE), the latency to the SE onset and the mortality rate were evaluated. The Fluoro Jade B (FJB) method was performed 24 hours and seven days after SE. RESULTS: The pretreatment with SCH58261, R-Pia and R-Pia+SCH58261 reduced the number of animals in SE, increased the latency to the SE and decreased the mortality rate, compared to pilocarpine treatment. The R-Pia and R-Pia+SCH58261 groups exhibited a reduction in the number of FJB stained cells in CA3 and hilus, 24 hours and seven days after SE, and in the piriform cortex only 24 hours after SE, compared to Pilo group. CONCLUSION: The A2A antagonist demonstrated a potent anticonvulsant effect, while the A1 agonist had a crucial role in the seizure modulation and promoted significant neuroprotection.
Pilocarpine; A2A antagonist; A1 agonist; seizure modulation; neuroprotection
