Antagonism of adenosinergic system decrease SWD occurrence via an increment in thalamic NFkB and IL-6 in absence epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a major pathological condition, characterized by recurrent seizures and affecting approximately 1% of the population. Many studies have shown a relationship between epilepsy and inflammation. The adenosinergic system contributes to inflammation and epilepsy by regulating the release of neurotransmitters through its various receptors. This study investigates the effect of agonist and antagonist of adenosinergic system on seizure activity and cytokine levels in the WAG/Rij strain, a genetic animal model of absence epilepsy. The WAG/Rij rats used in our study were assigned to saline, Tween 20, adenosine, and caffeine groups. Tripolar electrodes were implanted on the skull, and EEG activities recorded for 3 h. ELISA was used to determine the NFkB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in the cortical and thalamic brain regions, as well as the TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in the blood samples. Administration of caffeine to rats resulted in a decreased SWD number at 30 and 60 min as determined by EEG recording after baseline (p < .05), and a significant increase in NFkB and IL-6 levels in the thalamic tissue (p < .05). Administration of adenosine to rats did not change seizures and cytokine levels. Our results show that an increase in thalamic IL-6 and NFkB levels may related with a decrement in absence epilepsy. This study clearly shows the contribution of adenosinergic system in absence seizure in WAG/Rij rats. These results also support the importance of the thalamus on occurrence of SWD in the thalamocortical loop.