The influence of zaleplon on lidocaine-induced convulsion in mice

Objective To observe the influence of zaleplon on lidocaine-induced convulsion in mice. Methods The Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 each) : normal saline (NS) group, zaleplon 2 mg·kg^-1, 4 mg·kg^-1 and 8 mg·kg^-1(Z₂,Z₄,Z₈) groups. Each group received intraperitoneal lidocaine 70 mg·kg^-1 10 min after NS or different doses of zaleplon had been administered by gavage. The number of convulsive mice, incidence of convulsion, convulsion latency and convulsion level were observed. Results Compared with NS group, the incidence of convulsion declined remarkably in Z₈ group (P<0.01); the convulsion latency extended in Z₂, Z₄, Z₈ groups (P<0.05, <0.01, and<0.01). Zaleplon could reduce the convulsion level induced by lidocaine in mice (P<0.01). Conclusions Zaleplon can partially antagonize lidocaine-induced convulsion in mice.