Neuroimmunomodulatory role of Spinacea oleracea on blastogenic activity in penicillin induced experimental epileptic rat model

Abstract

Background

Epilepsy - a central nervous system disorder is associated with the production of Reactive oxidative species (ROS) leading to immunosuppression by HPA axis. High levels of glucocorticoids inactivates macrophages, damage DNA resulting in blast cells formation. Spinacea oleracea (SO), commonly known as Spinach; is a rich source of antioxidants, thus, can easily modify the ROS level contributing to neuroimmunomodulation and preventing the immunosuppressive damage of Epilepsy.

 Methods

Twenty four Holtzman strain male rats were used for this study. The animals were divided into four groups, viz, the control, SO treated control, Penicillin (PCN) induced experimental epileptic group and the SO pretreated PCN induced experimental epileptic group. Experimental epileptogenesis was induced with PCN. After the completion of SO pretreatment, behavioral analysis was done. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated (PMC) for blastogenic activity. Brain tissue samples were used to study the alteration in the levels of antioxidants and neurotransmitters.

 Results

Pretreatment with SO leaf extract showed a significant decrease in the blast cell formation unlike the PCN induced experimental epileptic group. The seizure score, ictal phase and LPO level were significantly decreased with an increase in interictal phase, SOD, CAT, GSH level in the SO pretreated epileptic group.

Conclusion

SO, through its high antioxidant content decreases blast cell formation thereby, immunomodulating the oxidative damage during epilepsy.