Caffeine intoxication: Behavioral and electrocorticographic patterns in Wistar rats

• Published in: Food and chemical toxicology 2022-12, Vol.170, p.113452, Article 113452
• Main Authors: Azevedo, Julianne Elba Cunha, da Silva, Alex Luiz Menezes, Vieira, Luana Rodrigues, Nascimento, Chirlene Pinheiro, Pereira, Rafaela Garcia, Rodrigues, Sofia de França, Hamoy, Akira Otake, Mello, Vanessa Joia de, Araújo, Daniella Bastos de, Barbas, Luis André Luz, Lopez, Maria Elena Crespo, Lopes, Dielly Catrina Favacho, Hamoy, Moisés
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: brain; Caffeine; diazepam; Electrocorticography; evolution; Intoxication; phenobarbital; phenytoin; pilocarpine; poisoning; psychotropic agents; Seizures; toxicity; Toxicology
• ISSN: 0278-6915; 1873-6351
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113452

Caffeine is a psychoactive substance used worldwide. The present study analyzes the seizure-related behavior and electrocorticographic (ECoG) patterns observed in rats following of a toxic dose of caffeine (150 mg/kg; intraperitoneal). Sixty-three rats were divided into three experiments: 1-Behavior's Description associated with caffeine-induced convulsion; 2- Comparison of the electrocorticographic patterns induced by caffeine and pentylenetetrazole, and 3- Assessment of the electrocorticographic response to antiepileptic drugs (diazepam, phenytoin, and phenobarbital). The behavioral analysis demonstrated tonic-clonic seizures with a loss of postural reflex and a latency of 365.8 s after the caffeine's administration. Caffeine-induced changes in the ECoG were consistent with the development of seizures with rapid evolution and burst potential consistent with the behavioral patterns observed during the caffeine-induced seizure. The ECoG of the brainwaves varied significantly between the seizures caused by caffeine and pentylenetetrazole. The predominant brain forces observed during the seizures were beta-band oscillations. The caffeine-induced seizures were resistant to attempted control with phenytoin and phenobarbital, but responded well to diazepam, which is consistent with a study of Pilocarpine, which showed that diazepam has anticonvulsant effects. These findings are important for the development of effective treatments for caffeine intoxication, in particular for individuals with a low seizure threshold. •Toxic dose of caffeine-induced convulsion.•The predominant brain forces observed during the seizures were beta-band oscillations.•The caffeine-induced seizures responded well to diazepam.