8-Cyclopentyl 1,3-dimethylxanthine prolongs epileptic seizures in rats.

We tested the effects of 8-cyclopentyl-1,3 dimethylxanthine (8-CPT) on electrically induced seizures in rats. 8-CPT prolonged secondary seizures and converted partial seizures into generalized motor seizures, but did not affect primary seizure duration. Because 8-CPT is a potent and specific adenosine antagonist, these results add further support to the hypothesis that endogenous adenosine prevents the spread of epileptic seizures.