Progesterone as an anti-convulsant

grantor: University of TorontoProgesterone (P4) has been successfully used as an anticonvulsant. Its use, however, has been limited to patients whose seizures are exacerbated by varying hormonal states in the menstrual cycle. Its anticonvulsant mechanism of action is unclear. Therefore, the following studies were designed to increase the understanding of the mechanism of action of P4 and promote its broader use in a clinical setting: (1) 'Effect of P4 on Amygdala-kindled seizure'; (2) 'Effect of chronic low doses of P4 in various seizure models'; (3) ' Effect of gender and age on the anticonvulsant activity of P4'; (4) 'The role of GAGA and the classic intracellular receptor in mediating P4's anticonvulsant action'. These studies indicate that P4 is an effective anticonvulsant in males and infants. Clinical trials in non-catamenial adults and children would be warranted. Its mechanism of action may involve the newly discovered cell-surface P4 receptor and may provide the possibility of new targets for future drug development.M.Sc