Effects of aminophylline and enprofylline on the protective activity of phenobarbital against amygdala-kindled seizures in rats.

Two xanthine derivatives, aminophylline and enprofylline, were tested on the protective activity of phenobarbital, 20 mg/kg i.p. (60 min before the test) against amygdala-kindled seizures in female rats. Enprofylline, 27.8 mg/kg i.p. (0.143 mmol/kg) 30 min, and aminophylline, 10 mg/kg i.p. (0.043 mmol/kg) 30 min, did not modify any kindling parameter. Aminophylline, 30 mg/kg (0.143 mmol of theophylline/kg), considerably increased seizure and afterdischarge durations. Aminophylline, 30 mg/kg, abolished the effect of phenobarbital (20 mg/kg) upon these seizure parameters. Both values reached the level observed in animals treated with aminophylline alone. Aminophylline, 10 mg/kg, only moderately increased afterdischarge duration in phenobarbital (20 mg/kg)-treated group. Enprofylline, 27.8 mg/kg, was devoid of any action upon the protection offered by phenobarbital in this model of epilepsy.