Influence of folic acid on the protective role of topiramate against neuronal damage in immature rats

Objectives To explore the influence of folic acid(FA)on the protective role of topiramate(TPM)against neuronal damage in immature rats. Methods Pentylenetetrazol(PTZ)-induced kindling in rats was used to establish rat epilepsy models. Forty-eight 3-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups with 12 rats each: two treatment groups with TPM 40 mg/(kg·d)or FA 5 mg/(kg·d) + TPM 40 mg/(kg·d),one positive control groups(with PTZ induction),one negative control group(without PTZ induction)with the equal amount of distilled water administration. Treatment continued two months. Behaviors of the rats were recorded,the levels of serum neuron-specific enolase(NSE)were measured by ELISA and the pathological changes in hippocampus were observed. Results The frequency of seizure,the levels of NSE and degree of neuron death in the two treatment groups were higher than those in the negative control group,but significantly lower than those in the positive control group. There was no statistical difference in the level of NSE between FA + TPM group and TPM group. However,the percentage of neuron death in FA + TPM group was significant lower than that in TPM group. Conclusions Folic acid may strengthen the protective effect of TPM against neuronal damage in immature rats.