Effects of dexmedetomidine on experimental convulsion in mice

Objective To observe the effects of dexmedetomidine on convulsion induced by lidocaine or strychnine in mice.Methods A total of 64 mice was equally divided into 8groups,which were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline and three doses of dexmedetomidine(7.5,15.0and30.0μg/kg)at 5minutes before injecting lidocaine or strychnine to establish two kinds of convulsive mouse models.The latency and duration of convulsion,the incidence of convulsion and death were observed.After intraperitoneal preinjection of dexmedetomidine,the 50% effective dose(ED50)of lidocaine or strychnine for inducing convulsion was determined by sequential method.Results The duration of lidocaine- or strychnine-induced convulsion was shortened by preinjection of dexmedetomidine 15.0μg/kg and 30.0μg/kg(P0.01).The ED50 of lidocaine or strychnine was raised(P0.05),the latency period of strychnine-induced convulsion was prolonged(P0.01),and the incidence of strychnine-induced convulsion was reduced by preinjection of dexmedetomidine 15.0μg/kg(P0.05).Conclusion Intraperitoneal preinjection of dexmedetomidine 15-30μg/kg can antagonize lidocaine-or strychnine-induced convulsion.