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| Authors | J Mifsud M Gafa M Micallef A Galea Debono R Ellul-Micallef |
| Abstract | Studies have shown that many traditional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) alter immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in patients and that immunological factors might contribute to the development of epilepsy. This study considered the effect on Igs, of therapy with traditional and newer AEDs, and a determination of the effect of selected AEDs on lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. In Study 1, group A patients (n = 16) were taking a combination of old and new AEDs. Group B patients (n = 12) were relying solely on old AEDs. Ten healthy volunteers served as a control group. Four blood samples were withdrawn from each patient at 3-month intervals. IgA, IgM and IgG levels were measured using an immunoturbidimetric procedure. In study 2, lymphocytes were extracted from healthy male volunteers and treated with increasing concentrations of vigabatrin (VGB), gabapentin (GBP) and phenobarbitone (PBT). Lymphocyte proliferation was measured using the liquid scintillation technique, and the results compared to untreated controls. In Study 1, the mean plasma IgA levels were lower for both group A and group B patients, compared to the controls, but not for IgM and IgG levels (p<0.05). The results obtained in the in vitro study showed that for the selected AEDs, there was an immunostimulatory effect in an incubated cell culture for 72 hours, at concentrations of 107pg/ml for VGB and GBP, and at a concentration of 105pg/ml for PBT (p<0.05). It would be preliminary from these limited results to state categorically that the selected AEDs will stimulate lymphocyte proliferation in vitro, as only three donors were used. There is definitely scope for the carrying out of further in vitro tests with respect to both spectrum of AEDs selected, and the number of donors recruited. The results also indicate that analysis of T-cell and B-cell interaction in epileptic patients should be undertaken. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | Volume 15 (suppl) |
| Pages | - |
| Date | |
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| Key words | immunological levels, epilepsy, drugs, pharmacology |