A static magnetic field modulates severity of audiogenic seizures and anticonvulsant effects of phenytoin in DBA/2 mice

Abstract Rationale : In a search for potential supplements or alternatives to the pharmacological treatment of epilepsy, we examined the effects of static magnetic fields on audiogenic seizures of DBA/2 mice. Methods : Two strains of DBA/2 mice were subjected to auditory stimulation that resulted sequentially in wild running, loss of righting, clonus, tonic hindlimb extension, and death in 80–95% of animals in different experiments. The incidence of seizure stages in groups of animals pretreated with a static magnetic field, phenytoin (PHT) or both was compared to the incidence in sham-exposed control mice. Results : Depending on magnetic flux density and duration of exposure to the field, seizure severity decreased significantly, but not completely, in both strains. However, incidence of five seizure stages was reduced in one strain, with about half of the mice seizure free. Two seizure stages (tonic hindlimb extension and death) were reduced significantly in the other. Magnetic field pretreatment potentiated the effect of PHT. Clonic seizures refractory to PHT or magnetic field pretreatment in DBA/2J mice responded to pretreatment with a combination of PHT and the magnetic field. Conclusions : A static magnetic field had some anticonvulsant effects when employed alone. More robust effects were seen in combination with PHT. Further testing of magnetic fields for anticonvulsant effects and elucidation of mechanisms of action seem to be warranted.