Antiepileptic action of the β-carboline ZK 91296 in a genetic petit mal model in rats

The anticonvulsant action of the benzodiazepine (BZ) receptor partial agonist, ethyl 5-benzyloxy-4-methoxymethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (ZK 91296) was studied in rats of Wistar origin exhibiting spontaneous bilateral cortical synchronous spike and wave discharges with a symptomatology paralleling that of human petit mal seizures. ZK 91296 1–16 mg/kg i.p.) attenuated the absence seizures without inducing signs of sedation or disorganized EEG patterns at any dose. Diazepam (1–8 mg/kg i.p.) suppressed seizures but also induced sedation and modified EEG background activity in a dose-related manner.