Aim: To study the role of beta-adrenoceptors (beta-AR) and their subtypes in the control of kindling models in rats.
Methods: Electrical amygdala kindling, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindling models in rats and maximal electroshock (MES) in mice were used to observe the effects of beta-AR agonists and antagonists.
Results: The beta-AR antagonist propranolol 15 mg.kg-1 i.p. delayed the development of amygdala kindling; while propranolol 1-20 mg.kg-1 i.p. and beta-AR antagonist metoprolol 25-400 mg.kg-1 ig significantly increased the afterdischarge threshold and reduced the seizure severity in both kindling models (P < 0.01). beta 1-AR agonist dobutamine completely reversed the inhibitory effect of propranolol, while the beta 2-AR agonist terbutaline showed no effect on propranolol. Metoprolol 200 and 800 mg.kg-1 ig significantly inhibited MES in mice (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Central beta 1-AR is involved in the inhibitory effects on amygdala kindling and PTZ kindling models in rats.