Abstract

The comparative effect of Diazepam and magnesium sulphate on motor coordination and seizures in mice induced with 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) was studied. Thirty six (36) Swiss white male and female mice were randomly assigned into three (3) groups of six (6) animals each for seizure and beam walking test. Group one animals served as control group and were given normal saline intreperitoneally. Group two animals were given Magnesium sulphate (M.S) (4.5mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Group three (DZP) animals receieved Diazepam (DZP) (2mg/kg) intraperitoneally for the beam walking test. While for the seizure tests, Group one (4-AP) served as control and were given 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) (13.3mg/kg) only, intraperitoneally. Group two (M.S) animals were given 4-Aminopyridine and Magnesium sulphate (M.S) intraperitoneally 15 minutes before inducing epilepsy with 4-AP. Group three (DZP) animals received 4-Aminopyridine and Diazepam intraperitoneally 15 minutes before inducing epilepsy with 4-AP. Anti-epileptic effect was assessed by scoring the onset of both tonic and clonic seizures.